Abstract

Rural areas on the move? Substantive, executive and legal aspects of progress in reconstruction of intensive livestock farming. Five provinces in the Netherlands are formulating plans in response to the Dutch legislation for 'reconstruction of areas engaged in intensive livestock farming'. The purpose of this legislation is to reach a new balance between various functions in the rural areas. In the current report conclusions are drawn regarding plan development, based on literature and a series of interviews with parties involved in the planning process. The study gives the impression that parties involved subscribe to the plans, there is support. This legislation stipulates differentiation between areas where agriculture can develop, areas where various functions are intertwined and areas for extensifying agricultural activities. The emphasis by law on zoning results in less attention being paid to other possible solutions for problems related tot intensive livestock farming. In the provinces of Noord-Limburg and Noord-Brabant, existing but unused planological rights remain valid in the extensification zones; so there is no change compared to the existing situation as laid down in regional plans. The initial ambitions in the extensification zones were adjusted, after both the central government and the provinces appeared hesitant to pay for damage caused by earlier planning. The designation of pig-free zones free is an obligation by law, however, the informers are sceptical about the benefits. Although stronger co-operation between farmers and their supply and purchase companies could diminish the veterinary vulnerability, no initiatives have been taken to this effect in the plans. The central government will assess the plans according to a detailed framework and decide for financing, after the provinces have drawn up the plans. This will leave little room for interpretation by provinces themselves. Due to developments in relevant environmental laws and re-prioritising policy goals, parties involved had little certainty beforehand. The emphasis on realising targets will lead to risk-free planning.