The Dutch cabinet has withdrawn a bill aimed at reducing pesticide use. Originally intended to limit non-agricultural pesticide use, the bill was expanded to include agriculture by the Party for the Animals.
Although initially supported by a parliamentary majority, the bill’s consideration was delayed. Secretary of State Chris Jansen from Infrastructure and Water Management (PVV) has now requested the king to withdraw the proposal due to “legal and operational risks.” The Party for the Animals expressed disappointment, with MP Inez Kostic stating that the decision contradicts societal demands for better protection.
Coalition parties support the withdrawal, with the VVD calling it “very sensible” and highlighting the bill’s potential negative impact on agriculture. Harm Holman of NSC described the bill as “too far-reaching,” though his party leader Omtzigt had previously supported it.
The PVV has not yet commented. The original proposal included targets for reducing pesticide use by 2025 and 2030.
Wageningen University indicated alternatives exist but could be costly, especially for specific crops like chrysanthemums. The previous cabinet tried to reverse the Party for the Animals’ amendment, and now Jansen has withdrawn the bill entirely.
The ministry stated it will explore achieving the original bill’s goals without the amendment. The Party for the Animals called the move undemocratic, as it reverses the 2022 parliamentary decision.
Source: NOS