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On 26 March, Hens Runhaar, governance and transition expert at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, participated in a Knowledge and Science Dialogue with the Dutch Ministerial Committee on Economy and Nature Restoration. During this session, Runhaar presented his perspective on the future of sustainable agriculture.

In his pitch, Runhaar emphasized that nitrogen is only one symptom of a broader ecological crisis. Other key pressures—such as water depletion, pollution, and pesticide use—also demand urgent attention. He argued that solutions should not focus on nitrogen in isolation, but must be integrated and long-term, addressing all environmental challenges together.

Current intensive farming practices are no longer sustainable in all areas of the Netherlands. At the same time, many farmers face economic uncertainty and a lack of future prospects. Runhaar called for a long-term vision for agriculture that brings together food production, nature restoration, water quality, and climate goals. This vision should be translated into spatial planning that allows for multifunctional, nature-inclusive farming, particularly in areas where environmental pressures are highest.

To support this shift, farmers need stable and fair income models that reward them for delivering public goods such as biodiversity and clean water. A regionally tailored approach—developed with farmers and local stakeholders—is key to making this transition work in practice. Regulatory measures should follow only once goals are within reach and enforcement is feasible, allowing farmers to remain entrepreneurial partners in the transition.

This approach, Runhaar concluded, offers the clarity and stability needed to rebuild trust between farmers, government and society—and to turn farmers into part of the solution rather than the problem.

The full op-ed behind this pitch, co-authored by 40 scientists, was published in de and can be read here (in Dutch)