In the National Strategic Plan, the Dutch elaboration of the new Common Agricultural Policy, the aim is to find regional solutions to the challenges in the sector: from rural development to sustainable food systems. 'This should be feasible with regional and national collaborations,' the ministry says.
More sustainable and healthier food, better animal welfare, more vegetable proteins and less food waste. These are all matters that contribute to the goals and social tasks. Consider climate, biodiversity, the environment and the earning capacity of the farmer. These are also goals that emerge in the National Strategic Plan (NSP). On the other hand, there are significant challenges, such as climate change. With more cooperation we could find solutions, it is said.
Creating a vital countryside is one of the first cooperation-related objectives. According to the makers of the NSP, rural development ensures, among other things, an improved position of the farmer in the chain, greater competitiveness and leads to more attention for the environment and the climate. One of the interventions being considered is the construction of wood barriers and/or limiting the use of crop protection products.
More sustainable food systems
A second objective for which collaboration is of great importance is the creation of more sustainable food systems. "Food and health are clearly mentioned in the new Common Agricultural Policy. The story behind the product has disappeared. This must return in the future and all initiatives in this area are welcome," says Paul van Enckevort of the province of North Brabant.
The biggest challenge in this area is the revenue model for the future. "Agriculture is the first to have to deal with the consequences of climate change, for example. So you have to think ahead, because in our sector you are too late to think," says arable farmer Anton Bartelen. "The goal should therefore be to work together on a future-proof system." According to the entrepreneur, this is only possible if supermarkets always opt for Dutch products. "It cannot be the case that onion growers have a low income and cannot sell their product, while supermarkets buy product from New Zealand."
The fragmentation and complex regulations also require more cooperation, for example between government agencies, water boards, interest groups and farmers. "After all, one of the most important goals in the CAP and NSP is 'making connections'. Both between farmers, and between farmer and government or farmer and society."
This is the fourth article in the series on the new Common Agricultural Policy. In the fifth and final article, which will be published on December 31, we zoom in on the eco-schemes and their elaboration. View all articles about the CAP here.