'Intensive agriculture is the future'

The agricultural sector should not become more nature-inclusive, but should in fact become more intensive. "This is to ensure that there is more room for nature," said science journalist Hidde Boersma on Tuesday December 18 at the National Economic Agricultural Congress of Boerenbusiness.

Boersma first outlines the challenge facing the agricultural sector. According to the science journalist, much more must be produced in the coming years, while the agricultural sector causes 'a lot of damage' to nature and that must be limited, in his opinion.

The journalist reports that the solution should not be sought in the interweaving of nature and agriculture, such as the Recycle vision of Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality). "Although you do have more biodiversity on organic fields, most animal and plant species cannot thrive in an environment with a lot of agriculture, because they need 'real' nature," says Boersma.

Strict segregation of functions
According to Boersma, it is therefore better to intensify agriculture so that more 'real nature' can be achieved. "The principle is strict separation of the functions of agriculture and nature." By this he means that the production per hectare must be increased by means of technological solutions, but also by means of pigsties with several floors.

Boersma also mentions that there is still a lot that needs to be intensified in Africa, including through other applications of fertilizer. He also sees many opportunities in the European Union (EU) and the Netherlands. According to him, the population in Europe can be fed (when concentrating the sector) with the 25% most fertile lands in Europe. The remaining 75% can then be used for nature.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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