5 questions for Piet van der Eijk
Politicians are finally starting to understand file lease
Thursday 9 March organized BLHB, the organization for tenant farmers, owners, land users and leaseholders, its annual meeting. Completely in line with the election time, BLHB invited six politicians. Leasehold is a complex and protracted file. Chairman Piet van der Eijk has a good feeling after the meeting. ‘Political parties are finally starting to get it.â€
Present at the annual meeting were Elbert Dijkgraaf (SGP), Tjeerd de Groot (D66), Anna Lena Hedin-Penninx (PvdA), Helma Lodders (VVD) and Inez Staarink (SP). Jaco Geurts (CDA) had to be absent, but already expressed the opinion of his party in an interview in the members' magazine.
What are the main conclusions you and BLHB have drawn after the presentations of all political representatives?
‘In general, I have been left with a satisfied feeling. Politicians have postponed the dossier lease for a long time. Fortunately, I can now say that they are really starting to get it. Several spokespersons have given me that feeling. They see the urgency of the issue, which must be resolved soon. This will not work with the current coalition. They made no decision. I am in good spirits for a new coalition after the election.â€
Which politician or politician surprised you the most in his or her position on the tenancy system?
‘One of the people who really surprised me is Inez Staarink, candidate of the SP. She has shown that the SP has been actively involved in agricultural policy for years and has also been involved in the discussion about rent. Staarink knows a lot about the issue, as she has demonstrated with her knowledge. PvdA'er Anna Lena Hedin-Penninx also played well. The current PvdA secretary of state is not a banner for agriculture. That makes the situation difficult. However, Hedin-Penninx showed great empathy and that she is aware of the situation. It should not go unmentioned that Elbert Dijkgraaf - as expected - also has a sharp vision of the file.’
Are there also parties from which you expected more in terms of the lease system?
‘Helma Lodders of the VVD stated in her presentation that her party still has the idea that rent prices should be linked to land prices. That is not a realistic option and has now passed the stage. This was also made clear to her during the meeting. D66 said it was not fully aware of the lease file. We are working on thatâ€
How is the lease system going now?
‘Sicko Heldoorn was also present in the room as a guest. He has been appointed as a new broker for lease review. Heldoorn indicated that he had received a good impression. This spring he will present his position for the new lease system. His job is to bring parties together. Ultimately, it is up to politicians to make the decision.â€
What future does the new tenancy system have when politics decides?
‘Almost all parties – including the SGP, CDA and SP – have all made it clear that rent prices should be related to the yielding capacity of the land and not the current price formation of agricultural land. In addition, a number of parties also want to limit the prices of flexible leases. The prices of regular leases in pasture areas have also risen sharply. That is not affordable for the leasing livestock farmer. Fortunately, the politicians see the urgency of this, which makes us positive for the future.â€
Niels van der Boom
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