Flemish Government Reduces Nitrogen Pollution Farms from 41 to 11
The Flemish government has reduced the number of livestock farms labelled as peak nitrogen polluters from 41 to 11. Unlike before, they will no longer be forced to close, Environment minister Jo Brouns confirmed on Wednesday, reports 24brussels.
The initial list of 41 farms, compiled by the previous administration, identified agricultural operations with the most significant impact on nearby protected nature areas. The original plan mandated their closure by 2025, backed by a buyout scheme.
In a shift from this strategy, Brouns announced that 30 of the 41 farms have been removed from the list, with the remaining 11 receiving the opportunity to remain operational. These farms now have until their permits expire—by 2030 at the latest—to implement emission reduction strategies through technologies, reductions in herd size, or alternative farming methods.
“This is still a very difficult message for these companies,” Brouns stated. “The effort will be enormous, but we are giving them a chance. We are not shutting them down in advance.”
The Flemish government has not disclosed the names of the affected farms, citing sensitivities. However, it has confirmed the 11 farms are distributed across East Flanders (four), Antwerp (three), Limburg (three), and Flemish Brabant (one). These operations encompass various livestock, including dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry.
Officials emphasized that the farms are not necessarily the largest contributors to pollution; rather, their proximity to local nature reserves exacerbates their environmental impact.
This revision follows new assessments by the Flemish Land Agency, which used more up-to-date data. The previous list had faced considerable criticism from within the agricultural sector, as it relied on data from 2015. Further details regarding the updated methodology are expected to be released next week.
