Innovations could end nitrogen crisis - if The Hague invests substantially more
With feasible innovations and measures, the agricultural sector can reduce ammonia emissions by nearly half in the next five years.
Published on January 21, 2025
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Research shows that innovative techniques in agriculture can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 50% but at a high price. Wageningen University states that with the full implementation of 62 techniques by all farmers, nitrogen emissions can fall dramatically. However, the annual costs of these innovations can be as high as €75,000 per dairy farmer, completely eating up their income. Delegate Jelle Beemsterboer emphasizes that innovations are promising, but not a 'silver bullet'. Minister Wiersma (BBB, Agriculture) wants to allocate €2 billion for this. Besides technological innovation, we also need to look at more extensive agriculture and shrinking livestock. Despite the focus on innovation as a possible way out of the nitrogen crisis, experts warn against too great expectations given the economic impact on farmers.
The potential of innovative solutions
Recent research by Wageningen University shows that there are 62 different agricultural innovations that together can substantially reduce ammonia emissions. When optimally applied by all livestock farmers, nitrogen emissions can be reduced by about 50%. This finding is significant, especially when compared to traditional methods such as cutting livestock in half, which would yield only a 35% reduction. Nitrogen professor and co-author of the study Wim de Vries emphasizes that these results are only achievable if all farmers perfectly implement all available innovations. This is a crucial nuance that underscores the complexity of the challenge.
Financial reality
The implementation of these innovations involves significant costs. For an average dairy farmer, the annual cost amounts to nearly €75,000. This is a problematic amount since it is roughly equivalent to the entire annual income of a dairy farmer. Although Minister Wiersma has made the billion available for agricultural innovations, the annual cost of innovations in the areas of barns, feed, and manure is estimated at almost €400 million. The plan she presented in November, was received with little enthusiasm by the House of Representatives. Professor of Environment and Sustainability Jan Willem Erisman warns that farmers will not innovate if they are uncertain about the survival of their farms.
