Cooperative supports farmers in extreme season

Agricultural cooperative CZAV assists its members where possible when they are affected by the drought. For example, there is the possibility to request a postponement of payment and products will be taken back. Agrifirm mainly helps its members with tailor-made advice.

Arable farmers have purchased fertilizers and crop protection products from CZAV, but not all have been used due to the exceptional season. The southern cooperative is therefore buying back the surplus stocks, it says to the Zeeland newspaper PZC. "As far as we can, we want to help our members", says deputy director Ko Francke. "The farmers who have financial problems can also get a deferment of payment."

No extra
The deputy director reports that CZAV has few other means to support farmers financially. "A Flemish dairy cooperative pays out extra dividend, but we can't do that. Our cooperative has not built up huge reserves. The profit is returned to the members every season in the form of a supplementary payment."

Agrifirm has not made any concrete agreements about a postponement of payment. "We guide the customers on an individual level and see what exactly is needed," explains Mijke Horneman. "We try to help the farmers up front with good advice about the products they need. In addition, we also look at what actions should be taken. Especially with regard to the roughage supply within the dairy farm; for example, should grassland be overseeded or reseeded. "

Aftercare
At the end of July, Agrifirm has a drying line set up and a drought journal has started. "The worst drought is over, so we stopped the news," explains Horneman. "This does not mean that we no longer advise the customers. We now mainly deal with the remaining questions. This also applies to arable farming, of course. However, we have chosen not to communicate the advice in this way in the event of drought."

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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