Developments in the agricultural sector have been very rapid in recent years. It seems that agricultural entrepreneurs are faced with new choices at an accelerated pace to keep their companies future-proof.
That is why Countus has provided a number of webinars with the subject 'Route planning 2030'. A common thread is visible within all the developments that take place: the switch to sustainable production, liquidity and cash flow and collaboration and business transfer. What does that mean for you as a farmer?
Zembla
The message Countus has to tell his relations is not always popular. However, as an entrepreneur you can expect honest advice from our specialists, taking into account the present and future. Banks face the same challenge. In a broadcast by Zembla on 28 January, the critical question was asked whether Rabobank is also part of the sustainability problem. The bank's response was honest: the banks in the Netherlands have also been part of the economic system that was rolled out after the Second World War.
A system that seemed the best, given the insights of the time. Growing a lot and cheap food in an efficient way means that we are committed to large, large and mass production. The consequence? Supply and demand and biodiversity have become out of balance. It is clear that this method of production has reached its limits.
Partly responsible
Just like the banks, accountants and consultancy organizations have also traveled on the same train. They too have been part of the system that was deployed after the war. How are you going to tell your own relations that the limits of this system have been reached? And that the production method has to be adapted? Measures that have to be taken cost a lot of money and put more pressure on the cash flow of agricultural companies. Not a popular message to spread…
Achieved success with a new emerging dilemma
But we should also not think that past policies have been fruitless and ultimately fruitless. On the contrary, you can conclude that the Dutch agricultural sector has developed into the top of the world with the production of agricultural products. Dutch agriculture and horticulture has become a very important sector for the national trade balance.
Compared to many other countries, the Dutch agricultural sector has a significant lead when it comes to production, knowledge and development. This position was mainly created by the entrepreneurship of our own farmers. When applying the old policy, no one ever thought that food production in the Netherlands would become such a huge success within the global economy.
Think of seed potatoes, flower bulbs, the onion sector, but also the milk, meat and vegetable sector in greenhouse horticulture. You will find these products all over the world and they are praised for their quality. It is precisely this idea that offers many opportunities for the future.
The agricultural sector is the solution!
The limits of the old policy have been reached and new policy will have to be deployed when it comes to the sustainability transition. To do this, we must once again appeal to the entrepreneurial power of our own agricultural entrepreneurs. With the lead from the past, this transition will also be a success.
The new sustainability issue facing Dutch agriculture and horticulture will soon be reconsidered with the necessary technological developments, knowledge and research. What is the solution to the nitrogen problem and the sequestration of CO2? That is in the hands of the Dutch agricultural entrepreneurs themselves. They have the soil and knowledge that are needed and with the crops they grow and the associated production method, they can play a very important role in solving the problem.
As a farmer, realize that you are the solution, not the problem! Above all, keep believing in yourself. Don't howl with the wolves in the forest and don't dwell on the past. Trust in yourself and the sector. Challenge also gives opportunities.
Want to know more?
Would you like to know more about future-proof entrepreneurship or about our webinars Route Planning 2030? Contact Ruthger Steenbeek.
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