'A level playing field important for circular agriculture'

To enable the transition to circular agriculture, the earning capacity task force has set 3 conditions. These must ensure adequate earning capacity. In a response, Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) says that the conditions are in line with her agricultural vision.

The task force was established in April by Minister Schouten and the aim was to investigate which preconditions are essential to realize an adequate earning capacity in circular agriculture. Three requirements have emerged from this: insight into performance, more room for agricultural entrepreneurship and a level playing field on an (inter)national scale. "The switch to circular agriculture is not feasible by always producing the same products and selling them at lower prices," said Schouten in a response.

Insight into performance
First of all, the task force states that there must be sufficient insight into its own cycle performance. "A so-called circular dashboard with mandatory and guiding standards provides insight into how agriculture can be made more sustainable," it writes in their report† The task force also wants all parties in the chain to provide data for this. The minister has already stated that she wants to continue to use this dashboard.

In addition, the task force writes that the transition to circular agriculture can only get off the ground if entrepreneurs have insight into what they can improve in the future. "Only by making transparent what a product's ecological footprint is can this turnaround be made," the conclusion reads.

Room for entrepreneurship
Secondly, the task force writes that agricultural entrepreneurs must have sufficient (financial) scope to implement all the improvements. For example, a fund is needed for farmers who, for example, have to invest in new stables and machines. "That fund can also support risky steps in the transition towards circular agriculture through risk credits."

In addition, the task force believes that the government can do a lot by amending laws and regulations. "Many rules hinder entrepreneurship in circular agriculture. The government now often prescribes what the farmer must do or not do. However, it is better to prescribe what results the farmer must achieve." The approach should be left to the farmer.

Level playing field
The last condition of the organization focuses on a level playing field. To make this possible, action is needed from the European Union. "It is necessary for circular agriculture to get off the ground throughout the European Union. The Netherlands can mainly collaborate with Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom." The minister indicated that he would place even more emphasis on this. "I will intensify the discussions with my European colleagues on how to organize a level playing field between recycled and non-recycled products."

In addition, emissions and capture must be priced. “This narrows the gap between circular and non-circular products,” the report said. The earning capacity task force therefore wants a tax on harmful emissions (such as greenhouse gases). "The revenues from this levy must remain within the sector."

The report of the earning capacity task force can be read here.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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