Nitrogen law falls short for farmers but may help housebuilding

The cabinet has announced its new nitrogen law and received criticism from farmers, relief from builders, and skepticism from environmentalists.

Agriculture minister Jaimi van Essen presented the law on Tuesday, which is an update of the plan already announced in June. Its core points are that farmers must cut nitrogen emissions by 42% to 46% by 2035 (compared to 2019 levels), and the industry and transport sector must cut its own by 50%.

Nitrogen from manure on farms and exhaust fumes is destroying the environment, which has led to courts blocking building permits amid the housing crisis.

Provinces have until September 2028 to draw strict zones around vulnerable nature areas, where farms will eventually be able to keep no more than 1.5 cows per hectare. The cabinet has set aside €9 billion to support affected farmers.

Ger Koopmans, chairman of the largest farmers’ organisation LTO, said the package was “less bad on important points” but that “fundamental objections” remained, broadcaster NOS reported.

LTO says farmers still don’t know how much they need to cut. Van Essen rejected an alternative plan from farmers’ groups last month.

At present, almost any building project that emits any amount of nitrogen needs a nature permit. Construction industry body Bouwend Nederland said the law creates “room to build homes and roads again”. Greenpeace accused the cabinet of ignoring the 2025 court ruling it won against the state.

The minority cabinet needs opposition votes to pass the law. The centre-left alliance Pro has backed the plans so far.