'CBL bases summons on fake news'

According to Farmers Defense Force (FDF), the trade association for supermarkets (CBL) has incorrectly assumed that distribution centers will be blocked on Wednesday 18 December. According to the lawyer of the action group, the CBL bases itself on fake news.

The CBL is demanding a general ban on the blockade of distribution centers and a penalty payment from the court. "If Farmers Defense Force violates the general ban, a penalty of €5 million must be imposed," said the trade association's lawyer. According to the CBL, there is no problem between the action group and the supermarkets, which means that any damage is unjustified.

Farmers Defense Forse defended itself by stating that the CBL's claim is based on fake news. The lawyer assures on behalf of the group that no violations of the law will take place. "The private areas of supermarkets will not be entered," said the lawyer. FDF has only announced that 'dynamic actions' will follow.

Not providing clarity
When asked by the judge whether obstruction of the distribution centers is part of the actions, FDF indicated that there will be no blockades. According to Farmers Defense Force, the CBL's claim is therefore not justified, because it is not based on a real threat. The judge, on the other hand, stated that she can imagine that the CBL feels threatened.

In addition, the judge is of the opinion that the purpose of the actions must be made clear. "We did that through a covenant," the action group claims. It demands that there must be a 'fair trade concept' for farmers. In addition, it wants an independent calculation system to be introduced, so that farmers are guaranteed to earn their cost price.

Make margins public
Farmers Defense Force also wants supermarkets to make their margins public and that products from the Netherlands should be given preference in the Dutch supermarket. Finally, they demand that the payment term of supermarkets be shorter than 90 days. The action group therefore states that the actions are aimed at the supermarkets. "The nitrogen crisis has made the situation for farmers more dire, but the CBL is also partly responsible for the problems."

The judge will give a written ruling on the case between the CBL and Farmers Defense Force on Tuesday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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