August 21, 2020

Measures to ban Dutch farmers from adding more proteins to animal feed canceled

Measures, that would prevent Dutch farmers from adding more proteins to animal feed, have been scrapped by the Netherlands' agriculture minister, sources in the Hague told newspaper AD.

The measures were aimed to reduce nitrogen emissions, but with their cancellation, the Dutch government is now seeking other ways.

Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten planned to implement the measures on September 1, banning farmers from adding extra protein to their livestock feed. Farmers add protein to feed as concentrates, but not all excess protein is absorbed by the animal. Portions of that are instead released as nitrogen-rich ammonia.

The measures have sparked protests by farmers who are concerned about the health of their animals.

According to sources from the Hague, new calculations found that the measures would not have a significant effect on nitrogen emissions from livestock as previously hoped.

- NL Times