Overview
- Agriculture minister Femke Wiersma is developing a minimum-distance standard that would govern both new goat farms and new housing near existing operations.
- Existing farms located close to residences would be required to reduce harmful emissions, with the government signaling potential easing if proven cuts are achieved.
- The precise distance has not been set, as the government awaits further advice and research, including work from Wageningen University & Research.
- Ministers point to provincial moratoria on new goat farms and want those stops maintained while a national framework is finalized.
- Officials cite Health Council findings of elevated pneumonia risk within 500 meters and note that densely farmed areas such as parts of Gelderland may need targeted approaches.