Bart Kemp wins first Impact Award

Bart Kemp, initiator of one of the largest farmer protests in agricultural history, has won the Impact Award 2019. He received the Impact Award at the National Economic Agricultural Congress of Boerenbusiness awarded for his special effort for the benefit of Dutch farmers and horticulturists.

Kemp received the Award to applause from the audience. "I am pleased with the recognition we are receiving for the actions. We are not concerned with millions of euros for the farmer, but with a normal family income and a good living. It is important to us that the farmers do not have to be ashamed of what they do." He wants to use the prize he received for the development of the agricultural sector in Burundi. 

peasant protests
What started with a message from his hand on WhatsApp turned into one of the largest farmer protests in the history of the agricultural sector in the late summer of this year. On October 1, thousands of farmers gathered with their tractors and vehicles on the Malieveld in The Hague to protest against the unreliability of government and agencies. 

Bart Kemp's efforts and control in particular ensured that this campaign was well organized and that farmers have been heard again in the Netherlands and in politics since that day. The protests he initiated have also resulted in a higher appreciation for the farmer from the citizenry.

Train set in motion
He never let anything get him down and he was firmly in control on and around Tuesday 1 October. Kemp showed that what can start as a reaction can grow into a movement with its own course and agenda. He set the train in motion and took his responsibility by taking action.

In doing so, he has made a serious impact for the sector. In 25 years' time, many farmers will remember the demonstration and friendships for life have been made between farmers from various sectors and regions. This has given a strong impulse to solidarity among the farmers. 

Reappraisal of the farmer
Kemp started his 'Agractie' movement not to become an advocate, but mainly to force a revaluation for the Dutch farmer and horticulturist. So was the farmer burger brunch of Friday, December 13 in that sign. Kemp has won the Impact Award based on applications from the sector. 

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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