Buyout scheme for ranchers is delayed in Brussels | NOW
A new buyout scheme for ranchers to help reduce nitrogen emissions has been delayed. The European Commission may see the scheme as unauthorized state aid, reports Minister Christianne van der Wal after reporting from NRC. The current arrangement has been extended to December.
It involves an arrangement with provinces to be able to get money to buy out ranchers. “If there is state support, the farmers will eventually have to pay it back. That is of course the last thing we want,” says Van der Wal.
The minister recognizes that the talks with the European are taking longer than involved, but she still believes that everything will be fine. According to her, the discussion concerns “a number of elements, in particular points that affect state aid relations”. She does not share more details.
Van der Wal hit by Hoekstra
If asked, Van der Wal also looks back on Tuesday’s parliamentary debate, which was largely about her portfolio. Deputy Prime Minister and CDA-Wopke Hoekstra believes that nitrogen policy must be improved, against formed leaders.
“I want the train to run and accelerate. Because we don’t have the luxury of sitting back, talking and thinking. We really have to get to work,” says Van der Wal.
Hoekstra’s turn “to be honest, did something to me”, the minister acknowledges. “That was Friday. But at some point you have to move on.” She says the cabinet has chosen a clear line by leaving the agreements as they are and waiting for the nitrogen talks with the farmers and other parties involved.