Interview Bart Kemp
With long procession of tractors on A12 to The Hague
On 1 October, the agricultural sector in the Netherlands appears to be flocking to The Hague to protest against social and political criticism. Bart Kemp from Ede, the initiator of the so-called agriculture: "What we want is a revaluation for Dutch farmers."
Was setting up this demonstration a spontaneous action, or have you been doing this for some time?
"It was a spontaneous idea, although I have been bothered for some time by the criticism that farmers have been receiving. The statement by D66 MP Tjeerd de Groot to reduce livestock (as a solution to the nitrogen halve, was the straw that broke the camel's back."
Did you not immediately expect this action from a sheep farmer?
"Make no mistake, because sheep farmers have also been portrayed in the media as environmental polluters. For example, it is said that sheep meat is the most environmentally harmful. In addition, I have many connections with other livestock farmers and arable farmers who also get all kinds of things. farmers are portrayed as animal abusers and environmental polluters. The discussion is mainly fueled by the vegans who throw inaccuracies into the world. Although only 0,5% of the Dutch are vegan, their reach is much wider. It is therefore time for a strong counter voice ."
What kind of action can we expect?
"The intention is to demonstrate on Tuesday 1 October with many tractors and agricultural vehicles in The Hague. We will gather this day in Utrecht and from there we will travel in 1 long procession with tractors and agricultural vehicles over the A12 to The Hague. We aim for a public-friendly action , although some inconvenience is probably unavoidable because we are stretching it en masse."
How many registrations have you received so far?
"I now have 2.250 registrations via the official channel (my WhatsApp). Halving the livestock not only affects the farmer, but also the periphery, with some 10.000 jobs at risk."
Who do you hope to reach and which statement are you going to make?
"Both citizens and politicians. We want citizens to get a revaluation for Dutch food. Agriculture and livestock farming has been practiced since time immemorial. If crop protection products are used, it is for the benefit of society. That needs to be made clearer. In addition, we want politicians to do something about incorrect portrayal in the media. In addition to Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality), we will focus on all agricultural spokespersons in the House of Representatives that day. We will try to reach the citizens with a press moment The action is alive I can tell you. I am being called flat by the national media."
Wouter Job
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