A need to reduce emissions and protect food production

By Drew Spoelstra

Vice President, OFA

Empty grocery store shelves in the Netherlands have made headlines, as farmers blocked food distribution centres in protest of strict government nutrient regulations. They’re very worried that pending legislation will not only put many of them out of business but will also affect food production – potentially making those empty store shelves a more frequent occurrence in the future. 

In nearby Denmark, farmers are awaiting the release of a carbon emissions tax scheme for agriculture, phase two of a tax introduced on other sectors this spring. They, too, are concerned about their ability to meet new standards in a short time and how it will affect the viability of their farms.