Introduction of ‘phosphate rights’ may force Dutch dairy farmers to reduce herds

Some Dutch farmers fear they may have to get rid of one third of their cattle, after the introduction of so called ‘phosphate rights’ by the Dutch government has created turmoil.

In 2006 the Dutch government agreed with Brussels on a phosphate ceiling of 172.9 million kilograms per year, which was the country’s phosphate production of 2002.

While the EU milk quota system was in place, there was never a threat of exceeding this ceiling. But since the abolition of the milk quota system, the Netherlands has exceeded this ceiling at a rapid pace, endangering extension of the derogation.