Brussels does not allow for derogation; Adema sees threat of generic discount | Melkvee.nl

The House had asked the minister to raise the problems on the Dutch manure market in Brussels and to at least try to obtain a broader derogation for land-based dairy farms. But the European Commission has so far not allowed this. “We must seriously take into account that this space will not be available,” the minister warned in a parliamentary debate. “Of course we will continue to use every moment and all networks to see where we can find space. But again, so far there has been no movement and if you ask me, there won’t be any movement.”

His ministry is now developing a number of proposals for measures to prevent a generic discount. He will announce this before the fertilizer debate on April 11 in the House of Representatives. It is extremely important that there is a package of measures,” he said, “because otherwise our farmers will experience major losses of income, and companies could ultimately collapse.” He asked the House to also think carefully about what there is to do.

Not outgoing

“Be aware of the situation facing the agricultural sector,” he told MPs. “We cannot wait, not a month, not two months, before taking measures. The committee debate of April 11 will be an extremely important debate.”

He said he hopes that the House realizes that the urgency is extremely high, and that the House and the cabinet share the responsibility to prevent a generic discount. “Otherwise we will have a disaster in slow motion. We cannot afford that,” he said. And, he added, “At least at this point I don’t feel resigned.”