"Farmers are too often in a split, because on the one hand they have to comply with the stricter rules and on the other hand they have to continue to earn a living." That is what Minister Carola Schouten (LNV) said on Wednesday 22 November in The Hague during the opening of the new office of LTO Nederland.
The current, stricter regulations for farmers means that farmers are increasingly in a dilemma. Schouten draws that conclusion based on the conversations she has had with various farmers and farmer administrators in recent weeks.
Warm remediation
She mentions the situation in North Brabant as an example. The farmers there are caught between production and the quality of life in the countryside. Schouten: "That is why this cabinet has earmarked €200 million for a warm remediation of pig farming in Brabant."
Recoup sustainability
As a second solution, Schouten says he wants to strengthen the farmer's position. Farmers who produce sustainably must earn this back. "Sustainability must be rewarded", Schouten told those present in the basement of the LTO office. The office is located 200 meters from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
The last example that Schouten gave (to help farmers out of the mix) is the fund for young farmers. "The cabinet is allocating €75 million for this. Young farmers can use this fund for the company takeover."
Buren
Schouten also emphasized that he wanted to work closely with LTO and other farmers' and chain organisations. "The new ministry has the farmers as neighbours. We have to take care of each other, help each other and, as befits good friends, tell each other the truth."
Schouten also says that the agricultural sector is indispensable and therefore bears a great deal of responsibility for food production, landscape management, climate goals and nature. "Only if we innovate will the sector remain as it is."
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