News Vision NAJK
Young farmer: attention to the future of a dairy farm
The Netherlands Agricultural Youth Contact (NAJK) presented their future vision for dairy farming in 6 near the Binnenhof in The Hague to agricultural spokespersons of political parties this afternoon (Tuesday 2050 April). Concrete requirements are not set in the vision document.
The young farmers do demand appreciation from the government, access to land and attention to business takeovers and the revenue model. Young people prefer to see sustainability regulated through policy based on goals and not on regulations. According to the youngsters, conventional continues to exist alongside biological.
In NAJK .'s vision of the future enough young people remain enthusiastic to take over the dairy farms and it is also becoming common for non-family members to take over companies. In 2050, the value of dairy farms will have increased due to land price increases and further development. Business successors are given the freedom to make their own choices. In just under 30 years, according to the young people, conventional will still exist next to organic. "All companies should be given the space to develop further," according to the vision. Because having sufficient roughage is important, the availability of land is essential.
Good support for business takeover
The young people want good support for the takeover in 2050 (when the next generation may already be knocking on the door), 'so that there is a strong entrepreneur and a strong company and continuity is assured'. The young farmers also consider the sharing of knowledge of great importance.
'Still exist from milk alone'
In NAJK's view, the farmer can still survive on milk alone in the future. Second and third branches arose out of passion and not because the price is too low and the revenue model is unprofitable. In policy discussions, the cost price and margins must be kept in mind. According to the young people, products that do not meet the Dutch requirements should be banned.
Arranging Biodiversity in Alliances
NAJK wants to encourage sustainability that has a direct effect on the performance of the dairy farm. "This includes improving animal welfare, working on good soil and limiting losses or increasing mineral utilization (circular agriculture)", says NAJK.
NAJK prefers to see sustainability that does not strengthen the company itself, such as biodiversity and meadow birds. "These are separate, voluntary processes with their own framework and revenue model. The management of this lies within the dairy farming sector. Here, work is done via target policy instead of regulations."
Linda van Eekeres
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