Farm groups say tighter nitrogen rules risk undermining farm businesses, while ministers argue emissions cuts are needed to protect nature (Image: Tonko Oosterink Photography)“This is the beginning of the actions. The dispute centres on the Netherlands’ long-running nitrogen crisis, with successive governments under pressure to cut emissions, particularly ammonia from intensive livestock farming. The government’s nitrogen package aims to reduce agricultural emissions by 42–46% by 2035, backed by €20 billion (£17.3bn) of funding for emissions reductions, innovation and farmer support. Ministers say the plans are needed to restore nature, meet legal requirements and provide greater certainty for the future of farming. Agractie chairman Erik Luiten said farmers were facing a “stacking of measures” that was making it increasingly difficult to operate profitably.