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Utrecht Braces for Farmers’ Protest Over Nitrogen Plan With Road Closures at Province House

The rally targets a provincial nitrogen plan that seeks a 2035 farm‑emissions cut with buffer zones around protected nature.

Overview

  • Farmers Defence Force has called a demonstration for Friday at the Utrecht province house to oppose the area nitrogen plans.
  • Commissioner Hans Oosters says he expects a large turnout and anticipates some protesters may arrive on tractors.
  • In coordination with police and the municipality, the area around the province house will be closed to motor vehicles Friday morning, and provincial staff have been advised to work from home.
  • Oosters and deputies Mirjam Sterk and Has Bakker plan to speak with demonstrators during the protest.
  • The plan aims for a 46% reduction in agricultural nitrogen emissions by 2035, contemplates a 40–42 kg ammonia per hectare annual cap from 2035, and proposes 250‑meter zones around six Natura 2000 sites, which farm groups denounce as unworkable.