Sustainable Dairy Farming in the Netherlands
Cutting-edge research and technology is being used to reduce ammonia and methane emissions from a dairy herd
Muir visits sustainable dairy farm in the Netherlands
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has travelled to a sustainable dairy farm and met the Dutch Director General for Rural Areas, Nature and Fisheries, Mark Roscam Abbing.
The Minister travelled to Hoeven where Johan Molenaar guided him on a tour of his 67-acre farm where he saw firsthand how cutting-edge research and technology is being used to reduce ammonia and methane emissions from a dairy herd.
Mr Molenaar runs a dairy enterprise with 200 cows which is part of a Network of Practical Farms across the Netherlands involving 100 dairy farms focused on addressing climate challenges by reducing ammonia, nitrogen and methane emissions.
Minister Muir said: “The Netherlands is a leading light in sustainable farming. In Hoeven, we heard from the Network of Practical Farms about the collaboration between dairy farmers and research companies on an integrated approach to addressing emissions in a feasible and affordable manner. Together they are future proofing Dutch dairy enterprises by addressing these issues and ensuring their economic viability while protecting animal welfare and improving both biodiversity and water quality.
“In Northern Ireland, we have a real challenge with levels of ammonia emissions which is why it’s valuable to learn from the Dutch experience of how to marry sustainable agricultural development with emissions reductions.
“The new Sustainable Agriculture Programme in Northern Ireland is key to helping our industry transition to a more sustainable farming sector through policy interventions designed to support a thriving and resilient farming and agri-food sector whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water and air quality and promoting nature restoration.”
Minister Muir also held constructive discussions with the Director General for Rural Areas, Nature, and Fisheries Mark Roscam Abbing in The Hague where farm sustainability and trade issues were on the agenda.
Minister Muir said afterwards: “Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has long had ties with the Netherlands and it’s been good to explore with Mark Roscam Abbing how we can further enrich our relationship by sharing knowledge and expertise on sustainable farming. We very much value the relationship we have forged with the Dutch Government and look forward to further developing trade links under the emerging SPS agri-food and drink arrangements between the UK and the EU.”
