FDF is once again incubating a large farmer's protest

Reports that the cabinet is investing hundreds of millions in buying up farms have gone down the wrong way at Farmers Defense Force (FDF). The farmers' movement is considering organizing a major protest next week. Agractie is also very concerned and is thinking of actions.

The Hague sources announced yesterday that the cabinet intends to make €350 million available to buy livestock farms near Natura2000 areas, in order to achieve nitrogen reduction. The plans will probably be made public on Friday via a letter to parliament.

FDF is very concerned about the content of the letter and alludes to protest action, according to a message on one of their WhatsApp channels. Farmers are already being called upon to keep the agenda free next week for a major action with tractors. A specific date has not yet been announced.

Consultation with cabinet
Coincidentally, the Agriculture Collective and Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten are meeting today (Wednesday) in The Hague about the nitrogen plans. This may give you yet another perspective on the matter. Initially, FDF would organize a large protest in The Hague today, but that is last week tactically canceled. It was also indicated at the time that follow-up actions might be taken. Despite this, some farmers have traveled to The Hague today to make their voices heard, regional media reported on Twitter. 

Agractie Nederland also reports that it is 'very concerned' about the proposed government policy. The organization says it will await the discussions of the Collective and the letter that Minister Schouten will send to the House of Representatives. "We follow this news closely and decide, based on the contents of the letter to parliament on Friday, whether we will take action next week."

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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