Thousands of Dutch farmers assembled with their tractors in Schermer in preparation for a large protest in Den Bosch. They are opposing the Netherlands’ nitrogen regulations and policies that threaten livestock operations.

Farmers and agricultural organizations contend that the farms possess fully legal permits and have already put forward plans to lower their emissions. They further state that with Dutch government’s proposals farmers may have to cut their herds by more than 50 percent, with no compensation for the lost animals. In North Brabant, officials intend to withdraw permits from five poultry farms, heightening tensions. Not surprisingly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemns the farmer’s efforts demanding they end their highway protests.

Citing a 2025 court decision, Holland’s government maintains that nitrogen emissions must be reduced to safeguard fragile natural areas while freeing up space for other economic uses and their goal is to cut ammonia emissions by 23 to 25% by 2030. Agriculture is allegedly a primary contributor to nitrogen deposition in the country, mainly via ammonia released from livestock manure and fertilizers.

This is not surprising. Two years ago, E.U. president Ursula Von der Leyen assured farmers that nitrogen proposals would not be as heavy handed. After last year’s Dutch elections where globalist parties won a majority in parliament, Von der Leyen and other EU bureaucrats now see it fit to stab Holland’s farmers in the back.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay