'Carola Schouten understands farm life'

Carola Schouten will be sworn in as the new Minister of Agriculture, Food Quality and Nature on Thursday 26 October. She is a member of Christian Union. Farmers will have their own ministry again for the first time in 7 years. Schouten is a farmer's daughter and understands life on a farm. 

Last Saturday, October 21, Schouten had an interview with Mark Rutte. Schouten is the intended Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). Her appointment will become official on Thursday, October 26.

On Monday morning, the officials of the Department of Economic Affairs were informed about the division of the department into a Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and LNV. The split will be a fact on Thursday.

Blessing
The agricultural sector has responded positively to Schouten's appointment and is surprised about the choice of its own department. In the negotiations, the CDA has hammered away at its own ministry. Marc Calon, chairman of LTO Nederland, is very pleased. "It's fantastic news. Schouten is good. She knows her files, and knows what they are about, she doesn't like to mop and comes from a farm." Calon describes her as a 'strong woman', who pays a lot of attention to agriculture and understands the stewardship of agriculture. "Her arrival is a boon to agriculture."

Happily surprised
POV chairman Ingrid Jansen also reacts enthusiastically in a press release. Jansen: "Immediately after her appointment she stated that she was highly motivated to work for farmers, horticulturists and fishermen. That sounds like music to our ears. We enjoy working with her."

According to Jansen, it is very important that the agricultural sector has its own ministry. "The Netherlands is a frontrunner in agricultural exports, innovation, animal health and animal welfare. Our agricultural sector is viewed with great admiration abroad."

The POV wants to talk to Schouten as soon as possible about the use of the €200 million for a warm remediation of pig farming and the abolition of the POR scheme.

Our own ministry again after 7 years
The Netherlands had a Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), or a similar name, from 1935 to 2010. Agricultural education and WUR also fell under this ministry.

After the formation of the Rutte I cabinet (2010), agriculture was transferred to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. When the Rutte II cabinet was formed, the name was shortened to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Agriculture disappeared with the name of the department. In Rutte III, under the influence of the CDA and ChristenUnie, the Ministry of LNV is back.

Bart-Jan van Zandwijk is co-authored

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