'It's an accumulation of frustrations'

Henk Bleker, former State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, addresses the thousands of farmers in The Hague on Tuesday afternoon, 1 October, during the protest. He didn't have to think twice when the organization asked him: "It's an accumulation of anger, indignation and frustration. This was just coming."

Between 2010 and 2012, the CDA politician was, among other things, responsible for the agricultural portfolio in the Dutch cabinet. Since 2014 he has been chairman of Vee&Logistiek Nederland. In Mongolia he co-owns a dairy farm.

"I'm not going to make a fierce political speech on stage," he explains at Boerenbusiness† What his message will be, he leaves open for now. "When I was asked by the Agractie organization, it was clear to me pretty quickly. I understand the motives of this protest. It was just coming."

Accumulation of frustrations
Bleker, who gives many lectures in the Netherlands for agricultural entrepreneurs, says he notices how the profession is increasingly disadvantaged. "It's an accumulation of frustrations. It's not about 1 thing, but about the overall appreciation of the sector."

"The farmers work hard every day for a safe food supply. The world in The Hague can sometimes express some appreciation for that," he continues in a statement. After the interview, Bleker got on his bike to take a look at the Malieveld. "I want to taste the atmosphere among the farmers myself."

It is raining positive reactions on the social media channels. Motorists are said to be happy in traffic jams and support farmers. This is not surprising to Bleker: "All image polls show that 75% to 80% of the population is proud of the agricultural sector and supports our farmers."

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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