Interview manure fraud
'Suspended member of the fertilizer company is a threat to public health'
The trade association Cumela, which among other things represents the interests of companies in the fertilizer sector, has suspended a member. The reason was 'a continuous stream of signals about deliberate violation of manure legislation, manure fraud and systematic violation of traffic rules and environmental legislation'. Boerenbusiness spoke with Erna Berends, member organization manager of Cumela, about this decision.
Manure fraud has been a problem for years and the approach seems difficult. This year there was also criticism from the sector of its own trade associations. They wouldn't act too much to tackle the bad apples. Is the suspension for 1 year after years of wrongdoing of the entrepreneur in question an appropriate measure or a half-hearted decision that was taken much too late? Acting too lax by its own representatives does not promote the self-cleaning capacity of the sector. However, Berends indicates that he cannot rule out a permanent expulsion: "We seriously doubt the willingness of the member concerned to adjust his behaviour."
What percentage of the companies active in the fertilizer trade do you represent?
"As a trade association, we represent the interests of more than 2000 companies in green, land and infrastructure. That is about two-thirds of the number of companies active in the sector. If we look at the fertilizer trade/processing, that figure is slightly higher. in manure-related activities, an estimated 80 percent are members of Cumela."
How often are reports of abuses received?
"First of all: it is important not to generalize abuses. We regularly receive reports, but it often has to do with ignorance and overly complex regulations. Our policy officer Hans Verkerk is in close contact with The Hague and frequently argues for more applicable legislation. and regulations surrounding the fertilizer law."
"As Cumela, we naturally represent a large network and regularly receive signals. Since the article about manure fraud in the NRC in 2017, we have been following a different course with regard to our approach to signals about abuses. This publication caused a lot of controversy and has a different, more proactive approach has been taken within Cumela An integrity committee has been set up and in the event of signals we enter into discussions with the entrepreneur. We check the stories. Are they correct? In what context did it happen? We notice that insufficient knowledge and a more difficult applicability can lead to problems and try to support entrepreneurs with our expertise in this."
And how did Cumela track down the irregularities in the now-suspended member?
"We received signals about the member in question years ago. The first discussions were then held with the entrepreneur in 2019. As mentioned, we always try to get an overview of what is going on and to verify the 'rumours'. The newly established integrity committee was also involved in this. The member was subsequently reminded several times of his responsibility and requested to change his course of action. So it starts with signals from the sector, after which we also enter into the conversation and conduct an investigation."
What exactly are the abuses for which the member is now being punished?
"We cannot say specifically what the drop was. Ultimately, it is a sum of events. We see that this entrepreneur not only violated the rules regarding fertilizer legislation. Worrying signals also came in about, for example, road safety and insufficient attention to the safety of employees. "In addition, there was also the handling of the manure product, which led to, for example, risks for water catchment areas. We are therefore talking about a danger to public health and that is absolutely unacceptable."
Danger to public health - signals that certainly came in in 2019 - is it not much too late to take action now?
"We start a conversation on the basis of the signals. Then the integrity committee is involved and we carefully investigate what exactly is going on. It is also the first time that we have approached the problem via such an approach. also requested by us to adjust his course of action."
Why a suspension and no expulsion given the seriousness of the facts?
"We have considered expulsion and this is always possible. However, we as a sector benefit from continuing to talk to this entrepreneur. Only in this way can we perhaps steer in his actions. in the interest of the image of all entrepreneurs active in this sector. But, as mentioned, expulsion remains an option. If there is no improvement, this is always possible, because we have serious doubts about the suspended member's intention to improve behavior."
Trust comes on foot and goes on horseback. Is a year at all sufficient to restore confidence if the entrepreneur in question has been ignoring regulations for years?
"That is a question that we naturally ask ourselves. That is why I also say: expulsion remains possible. We will monitor how the case develops in the coming year and make a decision based on that whether confidence has been sufficiently restored and the member can return. times in our organization. We believe that in many cases this approach will create awareness and positively influence behavior."
Do you not place the entrepreneur and member concerned in the light of the investigative authorities?
"No, that's not how it works. First of all, we think that the member is already in the crosshairs of various authorities. Moreover, as Cumela, we also seek contact with the government if we come across abuses during our procedures and conversations. Enforcement is part of to achieve a transparent and fair sector. Of course we do not have the resources for that. However, enforcement is difficult for the government and that is also why it is important to draw up simple and more applicable rules, because this also allows the executive authority to act better and impose the necessary sanctions on 'wrong' companies. In this case, we have even made an urgent appeal to enforcement authorities to take immediate action."
Are there more members that you are doing 'research' on at the moment?
"No, there are no other 'business' going on at the moment. As mentioned, we will start a conversation with entrepreneurs/members if we hear noises about them. This is to find out how the fork is in the handle."
What does this suspension mean for Cumela's reputation as an interest group for fertilizer intermediaries? Doesn't it create a division among members?
"It strengthens the image of our trade association because these actions contribute to the image of all of us. As Cumela, we strive for a very personal approach. We know our members and hear a lot of noise. Naturally, we received questions from other members about the procedure and the facts that led to the suspension.However, if we explain our story, then there is understanding.Decisive action protects all our members who do business in a right and honest way.
Steve Wissink
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.