King appreciates farmers in speech from the throne

During the speech from the throne, King Willem-Alexander paid explicit attention to the agricultural sector. He expressed his appreciation for the Dutch farmers who sometimes find themselves in difficult circumstances.

The king started his speech from the throne by saying that it is important to make choices. He emphasized cooperation and coexistence in society. He also said that more people should feel concretely that the economy is doing better in the Netherlands.

Measures for young farmers
The king expressed his appreciation for the work of Dutch farmers, market gardeners and fishermen. He mentioned that farmers sometimes find themselves in 'difficult circumstances'. It was the first time since 2014 that agriculture was so prominently featured in the Speech from the Throne. In addition to farmers, soldiers could also count on the king's appreciation.

The king said that the Rutte III cabinet wants to come up with targeted measures to offer young farmers a good future, which can also be read in the coalition agreement. The cabinet also wants to make a case for a vital and liveable countryside. The ambition is also to connect agriculture and nature more closely. 

Challenges 
The king also raised concerns. He pointed out, among other things, the teacher shortage and the overheated housing market. The cabinet promises to meet teachers in primary education with higher salaries. He also promised that the cabinet will come up with extra money for more (rental) homes.

The challenges identified by the king are the energy transition and the climate. Finally, he pointed to the challenges outside the Netherlands. In view of Brexit, 2019 will be an important year for the European Union (EU). The king said that the Dutch government is committed to a strong EU and free trade.  

Lots of confidence in Schouten
On Budget Day, a survey by EenVandaag also showed that Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) enjoys the most confidence of all ministers. More than half of the nearly 21.000 respondents have a relatively high degree of confidence in the Minister of Agriculture.

The respondents find it positive that Schouten is concrete. It is also appreciated that she makes many working visits and regularly visits the farmers. 

Read here the full throne speech.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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