News Farmers protest
FDF presents action plans 2020
In a letter to their supporters, Farmers Defense Force looks back on the turbulent year of action in 2019. It also presents the action plans for 2020. Anyone who thinks FDF will slow down is wrong. Grease the tractors, that's the message.
What started in May 2019 with a Facebook group quickly grew into a movement with many followers. The founding year of Farmers Defense Force saw turbulent times with multiple actions and a lawsuit to top it off. The 6 board members and 25 regional managers are ready for the battle in 2020, they endorse. In addition, there is a separate group for managing the media.
FDF speaks of a very professional group of people who are highly motivated. Talking, making short blows and agreements. No traditional meeting culture but freedom of action. Despite this, everyone has the same goal in mind, they assure.
Clear language is in the brief† For 2020, FDF has four fronts on which it will continue to exert pressure. Those are the following points:
Provincial Rules
FDF argues in favor of a national policy so that provinces cannot decide for themselves. There is a battle with tractors. New actions target polluting companies without environmental permits.
National policy
With regard to national policy, FDF will focus on RIVM at the beginning of 2020, just like the Mesdagfonds Foundation. It demands access to the measurement data. In their own words, to be able to judge whether they are being cheated or not. An interview with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is then possible. It is not possible to make agreements without factual substantiation. In addition, more money has to go to the farm, without companies being measured or purchased anything.
Grain on Brussels
The organization also has plans on a European level. The support from Germany, in which they say 500 trekkers helped to block the national borders on December 18, makes you want more. Farmers on both sides of the border support each other. FDF expects that a protest action towards Brussels is necessary, prompted by the Green Deal of European Commissioner Frans Timmermans. He drew the ire of farmers when he said at the end of December that farmers are clinging to an outdated agricultural system that is not future-proof.
Enforcement Requests
Despite the fact that FDF lost the summary proceedings of the CBL, for their protest actions on December 18, it continues to follow the legal path. Enforcement requests are in the pipeline for companies that do not have an NB permit (Nature Conservation Act), but do emit nitrogen. If it is up to FDF, these companies should reduce or stop their production. Hopefully, the effect will be increasing pressure on the cabinet.
A mega enforcement request is said to be in the works. For this, the organization is looking for a pro bono law firm that is willing to provide its expertise. The board members speak of a historic 'punch on the chin' for the provinces and the national government.
If the farmers stay behind the organization with their passion, tractors and financial resources, if it is up to FDF, a glorious battle is possible, with a party every now and then. Because, as it says: fighting hard is not possible without drinking hard beer.
Niels van der Boom
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