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Agriculture in Lower Saxony is resisting planned spatial planning!
Demands for spatial planning in Lower Saxony: Agricultural representatives warn of threats to agricultural land from renewable energy projects.
Agriculture in Lower Saxony is resisting planned spatial planning!
Things are simmering in Lower Saxony with regard to the upcoming changes to the state spatial planning program (LROP). The latest draft, presented by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, is met with considerable resistance from agriculture. The State Association of the Rural People of Lower Saxony and numerous district associations express massive concerns that the planned measures threaten their livelihoods. Rural People's President Holger Hennies is becoming clearer: He fundamentally shows understanding for climate protection, but not at any price. It is important to demand more regional flexibility and respect for agriculture, says Hennies.
Farmers are particularly critical of the impending loss of agricultural land. These are the basis for their production and at the same time threatened by projects such as photovoltaic systems on arable land, the use of wind power in forests and by the need for substations and industrial areas. The rural people are calling for the introduction of large-scale priority areas for economic transformation from 30 hectares to be reconsidered and are warning against unrealistic lease agreements, which could bring with them the risk of “parking up” entire regions.
The contribution of agriculture to climate protection
Local agriculture plays an essential role in local climate protection. This is done by the Initiative of infinite energy underpinned. Agricultural actors not only support communities by maintaining green spaces, but also actively contribute to networking and cooperation. Municipalities also have the option of leasing agricultural land in order to integrate climate protection requirements. For example, lease agreements can specify conditions such as limited nitrogen input.
Another advantage of cooperation between agriculture and municipalities is access to markets for climate-friendly businesses. The region also benefits from innovative concepts such as agri-photovoltaics, which make it possible to operate agriculture and solar power generation at the same time. Agriculture aims not only to produce food, but also to actively contribute to climate protection.
Need for changes to the LROP
The draft amendment to the LROP addresses various areas that are important for the future, including the renewable energy sector. Principles regarding the suitability of land for ground-mounted PV and the expansion of wind energy are established. The draft provides for extensive adjustments to maintain the balance between nature conservation and agriculture, so the program can also deal with aspects such as the rewetting of areas. But here too, “prudent protection” is required in order to sensibly integrate the coastal regions and agricultural areas.
A soil-friendly spatial planning policy is particularly important to farmers. They demand detailed differentiation in land use and a fairer distribution of infrastructural burdens. The appeal to politicians is that progress should not be blocked, but should be built on solid foundations. In the spirit of successful cooperation, the call for cooperation in nature conservation is also loud. Agriculture should be actively involved in the planning of biotope corridors in order to contribute to biodiverse development. It becomes clear that a sustainable future can only be achieved together.