Mineral policy in the Netherlands and nitrate policy within the European Community

In the Netherlands, the manure problem has been on the political agenda for many years as a result of conflicting objectives within society. Since the 1980s, measures have been taken to reduce the environmental impact of manure to meet national and international - mainly European - environmental objectives. The infringement procedures of the European Commission and the court rulings on the Pig Farming Restructuring Act have forced the Dutch Government to tighten its manure policy. The integral approach the Government has opted for, is based on a combination of the MINeral Accounting System (MINAS) and manure disposal contracts, both of which are to be implemented within the framework of the Nitrate Directive of the European Union (EU). The Dutch Government advocates realization of the Directive's objectives but at the same time claims some freedom in selecting the means to attain these goals. This has resulted in points of discussion with the EU. This paper reviews the history of manure legislation in the framework of environmental policy of the Netherlands and the EU, describes the adaptations that the Dutch Government has made to meet the requirements of the EU Nitrate Directive, and discusses the points on which both sides have different opinions.