Farmers and policymakers need to work together to find lasting solutions to the manure challenge

Jos Verstraten, a 60-year-old dairy farmer from eastern Brabant (a southern province of the Netherlands), combines firsthand farming experience with his role as vice-chair of the dairy farming sector group as part of the Netherlands Agricultural and Horticultural Association (LTO).  With 140 dairy cows, young stock, and 55 hectares of land, Verstraten understands both the day-to-day realities of farmers and the sector’s commitment to finding workable solutions. His involvement in agricultural policy, particularly in the areas of soil and water management, provides him with a broad perspective.

Manure management has long been a focal point in Dutch agriculture. 'When I started farming, there were no restrictions on how much manure you could spread,' Verstraten recalls. 'Of course, that went wrong, and we’ve been dealing with the consequences ever since.' This history of high-input, high-output farming has shaped the Netherlands’ agricultural model but has also led to environmental concerns. 'It’s an open system, influenced by weather and other factors. High input means high losses—to the soil, water, and air,' he explains.

The loss of derogation under the EU’s Nitrates Directive in 2026 has added significant pressure on Dutch farmers. 'We simply don’t have the time to adapt to this new situation,' Verstraten says. The derogation allows Dutch farmers to apply more manure to their land than the European standard. Without it, farmers face immediate challenges in placing their manure legally. 'The capacity to place manure has shrunk drastically, and there are no ready-made solutions,' he adds.

He goes on: ‘Dairy farmers in the Netherlands do not understand why the derogation of the Netherlands is being phased out. After all, research from Scientific Committee on Nutrient Management Policy that forms the basis for the application for a derogation by the Netherlands (CDM-advies Toetsing wetenschappelijke onderbouwing Nederlandse derogatie van de Nitraatrichtlijn, 2021), along with water quality measurements from derogation farms, has consistently shown that their water quality is, on average, superior to that of non-derogation farms. This affects dairy farmers’ trust in politics, both in the Netherlands and in the EU.’

Balancing costs and opportunities

Rising manure disposal costs are one of the most immediate challenges. 'Even though the milk price is decent right now, it has nothing to do with our situation in the Netherlands,' Verstraten points out. 'What you earn from milk is immediately spent on getting rid of manure.' These costs have turned the manure market into what Verstraten calls a 'displacement market', where limited placement options drive competition and raise prices.

Farmers and industry groups are exploring several solutions to address these pressures. Manure export, though considered a potential relief valve, presents its own set of challenges. 'We spent two days in France talking to people who might help us,' Verstraten shares. 'The idea was simple: if demand is stable abroad and our supply grows, then exporting should be the answer. But transporting manure is expensive, storage is complicated, and many foreign farmers prefer chemical fertilizers because they’re easier to handle.' Despite these hurdles, discussions are ongoing to improve logistics and increase export volumes.

Diverse farmer perspectives

Farmers across the Netherlands hold varying views on how to approach the manure issue. 'Some embrace change and join pilot programs. Others just want to farm the way they always have. I get both sides,' Verstraten acknowledges. This diversity of perspectives highlights the importance of creating policies that are both flexible and inclusive. 'When rules change overnight, even the most innovative farmers struggle to keep up. Change is fine—it just needs time.'

Collaborative programs, like Koeien en Kansen (Cows and Opportunities), a partnership between forward-looking dairy farmers together with Wageningen University and advisory services and regional initiatives focused on nutrient management, help farmers experiment with new approaches. These efforts aim to generate practical knowledge that can be shared across the farming community, ensuring that solutions are scalable and broadly applicable.

Innovation and technology

Technology plays a key role in addressing manure management issues. Farmers and researchers are investigating methods to process manure into products that can replace chemical fertilizers. Innovations like Renure, which involves treating manure to create mineral-based fertilizers, hold promise. However, regulatory approval processes at the European level have been slow. 'There are promising techniques out there,' Verstraten notes, 'but they’re expensive.' For many farmers, the question is not just about adopting technology but ensuring that these innovations are affordable and practical.

To address these challenges and foster collaboration, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, in collaboration with the Dutch Knowledge Center for Manure Valorization (NCM) and sector representative Cumela, will host a symposium on manure processing and manure export on March 20, 2025. Verstraten sees this event as a crucial opportunity. 'I hope it will deal with more than just exports. We need to talk about processing options, workable regulations, and actionable steps.' The conference wants to bring together policymakers, industry experts, and farmers to develop integrated solutions that balance environmental goals with economic realities.

Planning for stability and sustainability

For Verstraten, the manure issue is part of a larger conversation about the future of Dutch agriculture. 'What do we want Dutch agriculture to look like? Cows grazing in fields? Family farms? If so, we need a clear plan,' he emphasizes. ‘Without a long-term vision,’ he warns, ‘decisions will be driven solely by market forces. That will potentially lead to an agricultural landscape dominated by a few large organizations. 'Then my oldest son will not be able to take over the farm. He’s 30. He deserves stability.'

Nevertheless, Verstraten remains hopeful. ‘With political will and industry collaboration, meaningful progress is possible. Farmers are willing to adapt—we’ve proven that. Just give us the tools, the support, and most importantly, the time.'