BB 10 years Just call
'Dairy sector is ready for a multi-year plan'
Boerenbusiness is 10 years old this year. As part of this anniversary, we look back and look forward to important events in the sector. Which developments play an important role and what should we prepare for in the coming years? Today a conversation with Harm Wiegersma, dairy farmer and chairman of the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV).
In addition to the corona crisis, the Dutch dairy sector has many more topics and current developments that keep the sector in its grip. Take, for example, the nitrogen dossier. "Despite everything, dairy farming shows that it has enormous resilience," says Wiegersma. However, the stretch has come to an end. According to him, the increasing amount of requirements requires enormous investments, an enormous attack on the already harrowing revenue model of the Dutch dairy farmer.
Let's start with the current events: how do you think the sector is in 2020, also with a view to the corona crisis?
"Although the sector has shown how resilient it is, I don't think we have ever been in such a bad position after all the 'shit' we have received. In the past 10 years there has been so much hectic. phosphate rights have been removed, the calf gate and now the nitrogen problem. The Dutch dairy farmers have had a lot to choose from, but they have recovered time and again. Still, I think it will not stop there. After the nitrogen problem, there will be will probably be another 'problem' that will be left to the farmers. In this case we are thinking of climate objectives that are becoming increasingly concrete. The sector has never been under so much pressure as it is now. The animal feed measure will then be withdrawn, but that does not mean that this file is now over."
"In addition, the corona crisis continues to simmer in the background. I do think that the dairy sector has responded reasonably well to this. Our products are still basic necessities, as has been shown in recent times. And in that regard, it also shows that it is an essential pillar. is in the Dutch economy, that's just a fact. Despite all the setbacks, we always manage to give a good boost to the Dutch economy."
Speaking of the repealed animal feed measure, how do you look back on it?
"I do not think that Minister Schouten would have withdrawn the feed rail if we had not brought summary proceedings. This is because she withdrew the measure a day before the session. She had several opportunities over time to opt out and then she is still doing it last minute, so I expect that she will come up with another measure (or something along those lines) before 2021 to come to a 'solution' to the nitrogen problem. has shown that she does not just let things be imposed."
In addition, as I mentioned, this is not the first measure that has been thrown at us dairy farmers. Time and again, the sector has to squeeze in every corner to meet the demands of different events. Something that has worked very well up to now, but the stretch has simply been removed. Each new requirement often involves significant investments. The revenue model simply cannot cope with all those investments. Dutch dairy farmers still earn as much as 25 years ago. And taking inflation into account, that's a sad picture."
Harm Wiegersma
What do you think needs to change to improve this?
"A lot can be said about the revenue model, of course, but I think the most important thing is that there is a multi-year plan. The government should come up with a clear plan that can last longer than a cabinet. Then the Dutch dairy farmers also have a a clear picture that they can hold on to and work towards. Now they have to deal with measures again in quick succession, that has to be done differently. In this way every dairy farmer ends up with his back against the wall, one a little faster than the other."
What developments do you think will affect the sector in the coming years?
"I think that the next development that presents itself will focus on the climate targets that were imposed in 2018. That will probably be quite a challenge. Our sector captures a lot of CO2 in the soil, but there is no good system for doing this. It is important that we make every effort to bring this to the fore. Dairy farmers upholster the landscape, for which we are not paid for.We are also one of the most sustainable sectors, but in every discussion we are actually reframed In addition, the sustainability standards usually do not match the requirements of countries with which free trade agreements are concluded. It is time to look at that because why do we have to meet all the requirements, when products enter our country that are far below those requirements have been produced?"
"I also think that the government should go to an innovation scheme with all the millions that are now being put into a stopping scheme. Now a number of them are being bought out, but the remaining ones continue in the same way. This is because there is hardly any money to invest further in innovations for further sustainability. In addition, I hope that Minister Schouten will one day take up her duty of care with regard to the PAS scheme. These regulations were set up, then collapsed and now you don't hear anything about them anymore. It is at least as decent to make the necessary repairs here and, if necessary, compensate."
Where do you think the opportunities and dangers lie in the coming years?
"There are still entrepreneurs who go for it, but maybe it is better to take it back. Every decision can be labeled as null and void, when the cabinet again conjures up some requirement or measure from its top hat. I think that it is important that we fight for a long-term policy and long-term objectives, so that we can anticipate as a sector without having to go the other way. The dairy farmers' earning model is not geared to having to anticipate quickly. Major investments break up every 3 years, the rack is gone once."
Jorine Cosse
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