Dutch farmers protest nitrogen‑reduction plan, block highways

Farmers in the Netherlands staged their first visible protests after the government unveiled a new nitrogen‑reduction package. On the A28 near Nijkerk a column of tractors caused up to 45 minutes of delays before moving to a rally at conference centre De Schakel. A separate demonstration on the A67 viaduct between Liessel and Neerkant featured tractors, loaders and inverted Dutch flags.

The cabinet’s plan aims to cut agricultural nitrogen emissions by more than 40 % by 2035 and introduces buffer zones of up to one kilometre around Natura 2000 sites, with a 500‑metre zone retained around the Veluwe. Restrictions include a maximum of 2.6 cows per hectare in these zones, prompting fears that many family farms could be forced to downsize, relocate or close.

Farmers’ groups such as the Farmers Defence Force are gauging support for further actions, while agricultural organisations label the measures a “frontale aanval” (front‑line attack) on the sector. In parliament the nitrogen‑debat attracted sharp criticism from parties including the BBB and PVV, though the governing coalition appears poised to secure a majority for the package.

Farmers warn that the plans will impact not only their livelihoods but also the regional economy and food prices, stating, “This will not only be felt by us, but also by the economy in our region and the citizens.”