In the food market it is only about the lowest price

The elections are approaching and with that the battle for the votes begins. There is also still something to choose from for agricultural entrepreneurs, for example Tjeerd de Groot, director of the NZO since 2010, is in 19th place at D66. When it became known that he was running for election, quite a few critical voices followed. Justifiably? De Groot about why he wants to go into politics.  

On Linkedin, De Groot explains why he wants to go into politics. Reasons that were also discussed during the food summit in the last week of January and which he fully supports. 'Half of the Dutch are too fat and half of the farmers earn too little. That's why we have a double crisis.'

'The food system, especially the production of a lot of cheap food, has come to a standstill. We spend nearly 90 billion in healthcare in this country, much of it on diseases caused by too much and too poor food. And in the food market, it's only about the lowest price. The current system leads us to the lowest point of the market, the well.'

'There is no political party that is seriously doing anything about it.' De Groot indicates that there is too much talk about the short term when parties do mention farmers' interests. 'Other parties just write off agriculture and offer no alternative. It is time for a long-term vision and measures to realize this vision.'

This was the reason for De Groot to stand for election for D66. 'Better farming, better food' is his aim. In which he does not shy away from turning the food system upside down. 

'The Netherlands must invest in food production that does not harm the earth and leads to a decent income for farmers. The Netherlands must also invest in dietary habits that keep people healthy. And what does this yield? Healthier people and farmers who know what they are doing. They can also distinguish themselves in the market with products that contribute to a healthy and sustainable diet. The Netherlands can and must become world champions in the field of sustainable farming and animal welfare. We owe that to our stand.' 

© 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.