"Protest not in The Hague, but in the middle of the country"

The nitrogen plans in The Hague are giving the agricultural sector a pounding headache and severe stomach cramps. Exactly in one week, on June 22, a large tractor demonstration is therefore planned. The agricultural troops do not go to The Hague for this, but to the center of the country. "We have to be in the province for support," said Jeroen van Maanen, director of the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV).

The agricultural advocates are joining forces and pulling shoulder to shoulder, that is the intention. From Farmers Defense Force to LTO and all flavors in between. The urgency is high and the togetherness is greater than ever, or so it sounds. "It must be a positive demonstration, but with a hard message," says Van Maanen.

'The stake is to surpass October 1'
The stake is that the turnout is even higher than during the farmers' protest on October 1, 2020, the largest farmers' protest in Dutch history. "In addition to farmers and the periphery, sympathizers who support the sector are also very welcome. It is no longer a matter for farmers alone." Van Maanen does not want to reveal the exact location yet, but it will be in the middle of the country.

"We consciously do not go to The Hague, because we gain nothing with that. In the province, we have to be there." With the demonstration, the advocates hope to win over the provincial administrators. Van Maanen emphasizes that it will be a positive demonstration, in which various speakers will have their say on a stage. The theme is: "We are turning our backs on nitrogen ministers Van de Wal and The Hague and taking matters into our own hands". Traffic disruption cannot be prevented. "But we can't leave it at that." 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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