News Circular agriculture
VAT increase clashes with agricultural vision
Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) presented her new agricultural vision on Saturday 8 September. "I believe that the future of the agricultural sector lies in circular agriculture." Part of this is that more must be paid for food, but that clashes with the VAT increase on fruit and vegetables.
In the vision of agriculture minister Schouten, circular agriculture plays the leading role. The soil also plays an important role. This is necessary, because the future will bring even more challenges: climate, sustainability and nature. "We bring nature and agriculture more into balance through the soil", says Schouten.
Positive reactions
The reactions of various agricultural organizations, including LTO Nederland, the Producers' Organization Pig Farming (POV) and the Dutch Dairy Organization (NZO) are full of praise for Schouten's vision. However, the organizations wonder how Schouten will make this vision a reality; for example, manure policy is a major obstacle to implementing circular agriculture.
In addition, it is important that Schouten states that the livestock does not need to be reduced. "We will need the manure from the cows and chickens to completely replace fertilizer. Pig manure must no longer be mixed with cattle manure. The separation of urine and feces is also necessary at the source, in order to prevent the formation of ammonia. ."
Helma Lodders (VVD) also reacted positively to the vision: "It is a plan with guts and I am happy with the added value for the sector. The use of raw materials from each other and the use of raw materials close to home are good developments. The focus innovation offers opportunities on a regional and international level, so that we can continue to strengthen our position as a frontrunner."
Critical consumer
However, there is not only praise for the plan. An important part of the vision is a price increase for food. "This isn't just about farmers, it's also about consumers. It's also about the appreciation we have for our food and for those who produce it." The latter creates friction, as evidenced by responses via, among others, NU.nl.
Recently, there was already a VAT increase on fruit and vegetables: from 6% to 9%. This makes healthy food more expensive, and those with middle and lower incomes are particularly affected. As a result, there is hardly any opportunity among that group to be able to pay more for healthy food.
The consumer is therefore arguing for a different approach. According to them, the food that is thrown away should be looked at critically and, in addition, there should be a higher tax on unhealthy food.
Herman van den Pol
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