Farmers and gardeners are crucial in energy transition

Farmers and horticulturists have a crucial role in the development of renewable energy in the Netherlands. In total, the sector produced some 26.8 PJ of renewable energy in 2016. Moreover, total greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture decreased by 19% between 1990 and 2016. This is according to a report by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO.nl).

'' said Hubert Mackus, deputy of the Province of Limburg.

LTO Nederland, the representative of farmers and horticulturists, states that the efforts of farmers and horticulturists deserve more attention. Kees van Zelderen, LTO Director Climate and Energy: "The agricultural and horticultural sector is working hard on the energy transition. The report endorses the success of our efforts. That recognition is important, also with a view to the future. However, many figures are lumped together so that the contribution of farmers and horticulturalists is not always transparent. That has to change."

Reduction of greenhouse gas

The agriculture and horticulture sector has been making efforts to reduce emissions for 25 years. With success: greenhouse horticulture emits 1.2 Mton less carbon dioxide, while producing 40% more. In dairy farming, a reduction of 2.1 Mton has been achieved since 1990. Nitrous oxide emissions have been reduced by 40%, or 5.6 Mton. Total greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 19%. The objectives of the Agrocovenant, a cooperation program for entrepreneurs and the government, have thus been amply achieved.

Energy producers

Farmers and horticulturalists also produce a lot of renewable energy. For example wind and solar energy, but also energy obtained in other, innovative, ways such as manure fermentation. In total, the sector produced 26.8 PJ of renewable energy in 2016. That is equal to the annual energy consumption of more than 500,000 households. However, collecting figures on renewable energy in agriculture is fragmented and difficult, according to RVO.nl. Moreover, the efforts are not visible in the national emission registration, because electricity production is attributed to the energy sector, rather than the agricultural sector.

Solution

"We are working hard to be energy-neutral, climate-friendly and meaningful as an agricultural and horticultural sector. We are garnering admiration worldwide because we are leading the way, including in sustainability, thanks to entrepreneurs who produce valued, high-quality and healthy food. The Netherlands should be proud of that," said Van Zelderen.

The Climate Accord can play an important role in successfully continuing along this path. LTO Nederland sees opportunities in the area of sustainable energy generation, carbon sequestration in the soil, the cultivation of protein crops and precision agriculture. There are also opportunities in the area of animal management, stall systems and manure storage. However, a good action perspective and a positive set of stimulating instruments (both policy-based and financial) are necessary. This is an important role for the government, but also for all other parties involved in the negotiations on the climate agreement.

Source: LLTB