Cabinet wants to work together with Brussels

The Rutte III cabinet sees an important role for the Dutch agro and food sector. The Netherlands is the second largest food exporter and can therefore make an important contribution to the global food supply. But agricultural policy is mainly European.

This is stated in the coalition agreement 'Confidence in the future', which was presented today, Tuesday 10 October. The new cabinet wants to utilize the agricultural potential by not further tightening the applicable nature and environmental standards. However, the agricultural sector and the livestock sector must take action to methane emissions reduce.

The government wants to maintain the Netherlands' export position through innovation and entrepreneurship. In all this, continuity of family farms in rural regions is especially important.

Common Agricultural Policy
In the coalition agreement, Rutte III cabinet emphasizes the importance of a European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). For example on the topics of sustainability, food security and food safety. Innovation must also be stimulated from Brussels.

According to the government, the CAP should be simpler. The focus on income support must be shifted to mutual cooperation between European farmers. In addition, the CAP should increase the crisis resilience of the agricultural sector. This focus can also accommodate the reduction in the CAP budget caused by Brexit. 

The cabinet also wants more flexibility from Brussels to give its own interpretation to the European directives, such as in the field of air quality and surface water. 

Animal welfare is European 
Together with other leading European countries, the government says it is striving to improve animal welfare. European standards remain the norm for the Netherlands in international trade agreements. According to the government, there must be a level playing field within the European Union. In 

Monitoring European policy is a national matter. When Dutch farms violate European standards, the government will not shy away from a tough approach. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will receive an extra €20 million to guarantee animal welfare and food safety.  

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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