The Dutch government’s attempt to enter into a dialogue with farmers in the conflict over harmful nitrogen emissions has suffered a setback. Only one interest group from the conventional farming organizations, the LTO, will take part in the mediation talks, which began Aug. 5.
At a top-level meeting Wednesday night, Aug. 3, all other associations, including the more rebellious farmers groups, Agractie and the Farmers Defense Force (FDF), decided to boycott mediation as long as the government sticks to its goal of halving allegedly harmful emissions by 2030, which would have serious consequences, especially for livestock farming.
“Our farmers have no confidence in the government-led consultations,” a joint statement said. The biggest organization for agricultural interests, the LTO, was mandated to deliver their statement as a clear message to the government.
