Livestock Breeders in Netherlands Being Paid to Close Pig Farms

The pig farming industry in the Netherlands, one of the most successful countries in this field, is being reduced by 6.7%, that is, by 278 pig farms. This is a consequence of a stricter legislation policy when it comes to environmental protection.

As the Pig Progress portal reports, this is an attempt by the Dutch authorities to reduce the total amount of odor and nitrogen emissions in the country. Initially, it was an attempt to reduce the odor pressure close to villages and towns, whereas, in recent years, the policy has broadened to also bring down the total nitrogen emissions in the country.

Livestock farmers got an incentive from the state to shut down or reduce the production, in order to protect the environment. A total of EUR 450 million was provided for the voluntary program.

All 278 pig farmers have already received a first payment of 10% of the stopping subsidy. Another 163 have already received a second payment of 70%, which means that, by mid-June, 21 farms had been torn down.

Initially, 502 farms expressed interest, but several farms withdrew their interest; the fund was consequently reduced.

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