The Dutch agriculture minister has resigned amid a tumultuous summer time of protests by farmers over air pollution laws.
Henk Staghouwer, who held the place for less than 9 months, introduced his departure on Twitter.
He later informed reporters that he wasn’t the correct particular person for the job and can be resigning.
The nation’s profitable agriculture sector has been in disaster since a 2019 court docket ruling compelled the federal government to slash emissions of nitrogen oxide and ammonia, which livestock produce.
1000's of agricultural staff have staged protests, blockading cities with tractors and burning hay bales alongside main roads.
“Farmers and fishermen want certainty about the place the sector is headed in order that they'll make investments and do enterprise,” he stated.
Staghouwer had simply returned from Brussels, the place he negotiated an settlement with the European Fee to scrap a Dutch exemption to manure spreading limits.
The Netherlands -- together with Denmark, Eire and the Flanders area of Belgium -- are allowed by the EU to exceed caps on how a lot manure farmers may return to their fields.
That is due partly to the nation’s comparatively small land space.
Brussels needs to part this exception out as a result of the Netherlands has failed to satisfy EU water high quality requirements.
Staghouwer had been tasked with transitioning the sector away from intensive farming practices and shopping for out farmers to cut back whole emissions.
“I respect his courageous determination,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote on Twitter.
Staghouwer’s position will briefly be taken on by former Dutch agricultural minister Carola Schouten.
Post a Comment