AP
NOS . News••modified
Minister van der Waal wants to see if more can be done in terms of innovation to solve nitrogen problems. This morning, van der Waal and other cabinet members, led by Negotiator Remix, spoke with employers organizations VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland and sector organization Bouwend Nederland.
Among other things, they advocated innovation and “acceleration”. Van der Waal said afterwards that he supported the importance of innovation: “But if we innovate, it must be legally sustainable. We shouldn’t have farmers investing too much in technical innovations, but then getting stuck in court because they wonder if farmers emit them. Less nitrogen.
Innovation should not stand in the way of other goals
Cabinet will study with the business community how innovation can be ‘promoted’. The minister emphasized that innovations should not stand in the way of other goals in the field of water and climate.
Van der Waal also said she heard again today that the business community and the construction sector want permits again quickly, while farmers’ organizations want more time. “They have a cry for speed and there is only one way to do that and that is to close the nitrogen tap quickly. And that cry is heard correctly.”
from the trenches
VNO-NCW President Thijssen after the consultation stressed the need to find a solution. She and her colleague Vonhof from MKB-Nederland consider the government’s response to innovation proposals positive. “We have to get out of the trenches, that’s the only way,” Tejsen added.
Bouwend Nederland Chairman Verhagen said the construction industry has been waiting for a solution since May 2019. “New roads simply cannot be built and many construction projects are being delayed.”
Remix not to talk about the food industry
According to Medium Remix, the organizations have made “very strong comments” about Cabinet policy. Remix criticized the food industry for not accepting the invitation to consult with him tomorrow. According to the trade union, the cabinet and farmers’ organizations must first start talking to each other in order to find solutions.
Remix said he doesn’t understand. According to him, the food industry is failing. “I grew up with the motto that you have to take responsibility, and that responsibility is not here.” He said that this position does not reflect corporate social responsibility.
There have now been three advisory rounds. In the fourth round, tomorrow, the Remkes will take in banks and businesses, among others.