Netherlands' nitrogen-reduction plans trigger regional disputes

The Dutch cabinet led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte (Jetten coalition) has leaked a set of nitrogen‑reduction proposals that would create buffer zones of half to one kilometre around Natura 2000 nature areas. Under the plans, livestock farms within the zones must cut animal numbers or relocate, affecting hundreds of farms in the Veluwe region. Gelderland officials have already signed an area‑focused plan allocating €300 million to cut nitrogen and restore nature, but debate continues over the width of the buffer zones – the province argues for 500 metre zones covering about 254 farms, while leaked cabinet drafts call for 1 km zones that could involve up to 480 farms. Meanwhile, the Southern Dutch Horticulture Organisation (ZLTO) in Zeeland warns that 70 % of the province’s nitrogen deposition comes from ships and foreign industry, not local livestock. The group seeks an exemption for Zeeland, noting its farms are mainly arable and that existing provincial measures rely on voluntary action within a three‑kilometre radius around key nature sites.