Netherlands seeks to close 3,000 farms by threatening farmers with 'compulsory' land buyouts if they refuse 'voluntary' offers to comply with EU climate rules

The Dutch government announced plans to buy and close up to 3,000 farms near areas deemed environmentally sensitive to comply with EU climate rules, the Telegraph reported.

The Netherlands stated that it would first offer one-time voluntary deals to large nitrogen-emitting farms in hopes of reducing pollution. However, if not enough farmers accept that initial offer, the Dutch government announced that it would move forward with "compulsory purchases."

According to the government plan, which hopes to target 2,000 to 3,000 farms, landowners will first be offered a deal "well over" the property's value.

Nitrogen Minister Christianne van der Wal told members of parliament on Friday, "There is no better offer coming." She added that if enough farmers do not take the "voluntary" offers, then with "pain in the heart," the government will move forward with compulsory purchases.

The Netherlands, the second-largest food exporter in the world, is aggressively pushing forward with the plan to comply with the EU's conservation rules. The agriculture industry is reportedly responsible for nearly half the nitrogen emitted in the country.

Dutch farmers have continued to stand their ground and protest over the extreme restrictions, fearing for their livelihoods and standing staunchly against the compulsory buyouts. Many farmers feel that the agricultural sector is unjustly targeted while other industries, such as aviation, are not.... (Read more)

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