Background Agricultural vision
Schouten: 'Direction must go back to the farmer'
Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) is considering placing advertisements in which the consumer price is compared with the price paid to farmers. "It is a way to improve the position of the farmer", Schouten said on Monday 10 September at a meeting of Trouw in response to the study 'The state of the farmer'.
The minister is of the opinion that the farmer is getting less and less for his product and that the other parties are taking off with the profit. "This is wrong and the entire chain must contribute to improving the position of the farmer." With this, Schouten also refers to the supermarkets.
"I think it's a shame that retail is on these kind of evenings is absent. We may need to purchase advertising space to provide insight into what the farmer receives and what the consumer ultimately pays. Based on this, the consumer can ask himself the following question: do I want to be at the supermarket with the lowest price, or do I want to pay a little extra so that the farmer also gets a little more?"
Agricultural vision recurring topic
Schouten's agricultural vision was also discussed extensively this evening. Critics report that they do not follow the plan specific find. The Minister of Agriculture responds by saying that she has made a conscious decision to do so. She believes that polarization is taking place in the agricultural sector. "You are either for nature or for the farmer. You are either for a shrinkage of the livestock or for limitless growth. It flattens the discussion. I think this has no chance, because these points ignore what, for example, a shrinkage of the livestock means to the farmers."
According to Schouten, there is therefore a need to put a dot on the horizon. "First we need an agreement on our common values. Later we can say: we agreed on this vision." However, the agriculture minister also stated that the vision will certainly become more abrasive if it is actually worked out in more detail.
'No ad hoc policy'
Schouten also stated that a direction is needed and that there should not be an ad hoc policy. This was confirmed by the many farmers in the room. "The large investments should not suddenly become useless after 5 years (partly due to legislation). The vision is therefore not only my vision, but is also based on various developments in society."
Marc Calon, the foreman of LTO Nederland, responded in agreement and let it be known that the realization of the vision will be exciting. He does say that he is happy that the minister sees that a lot is already going well in the sector.
However, Calon was also exposed to the fire himself. The research by Trouw shows that 80% of the farmers do not feel represented by LTO Nederland. The question from the audience is therefore: how much active members does LTO Netherlands really have? According to Calon, this is currently being investigated by Wageningen University and Research. He also believes that LTO Nederland's sectoral approach works well.
'Clarity is needed'
The study by Trouw also showed that about 50% of farmers have been depressed from time to time, because of the many concerns about farming. That is why clarity is needed. Iris Bouwers, Vice-President CEJA (the European Council for Young Farmers) also emphasized this. She asked Schouten how farmers can regain control and stop being a plaything.
The agriculture minister indicated that she is aware that her policy can determine the farmer's sleep. "That's why I put this dot on the horizon." In addition, the minister indicates that she wants to ensure that power in the chain returns to the farmer.
The farmers in the room let it be known that they could do something with Schouten's agricultural vision. "The vision is not too compelling. We can organize this vision in our own way. Small or large-scale is not designated as the norm, but there is a common starting point: circular agriculture."
Arable farming sector organization mostly positive
Dirk de Lugt, the chairman of BO Akkerbouw, indicates that he is also positive about the agricultural vision of Minister Schouten. He sees a lot in the collaboration between arable farms and livestock farms. "In addition, I think that there is sufficient market for closing cycles close to home."
The interpretation of circular agriculture is already devised by many farmers themselves. "It is a form of entrepreneurship, but it does require research," says De Lugt. However, he still has many questions about the concrete implementation of the vision. For example, he misses trade relations in the report, but the role of GMO-free soy is also not mentioned.
De Lugt is the last to indicate that he also sees that things have to change in order to farm sustainably in the long term. "Not only the kilos and economic profitability are important, but the climate and the resilience of plants will also play an increasingly important role."
Boerenbusiness organizes a seminar on Friday 14 September at the AgroTechniek Holland, as the conclusion of the Crop Tour. In the seminar an analysis is given of the growing season, the price development and a forecast of the yield is presented. Sign up here for this free seminar and receive your admission ticket.
Anne-Jan Doorn
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