Nitrate program, lease and cap
Fast formation pre for dairy farming
LTO Nederland congratulates the VVD and party leader Mark Rutte on the victory in the elections to the House of Representatives. The Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV) also congratulates D66, CDA and GroenLinks. These parties managed to make significant gains compared to the previous elections in 2012. The NAJK and the Nevedi agree.
The result of the elections means that State Secretary Martijn van Dam will be bid farewell. Harm Wiegersma, of the Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV), worked with him a lot, including on the subject of phosphate. 'After the sector left it alone, it picked it up well.'
Sector wants a new cabinet soon
Until the formation is over, van Dam takes care of the so-called shop and no more decisive policy can be made. According to Wiegersma, it is therefore necessary that a new government is formed as soon as possible. 'For example, we have provided input for the nitrate action program, but there is still a follow-up to it.' These are important files where time is running out.
Andre Arfman, chairman of the Dutch Agricultural Youth Contact (NAJK), adds further. 'It is important that the files continue to work expeditiously. This not only concerns the nitrates directive required for derogation, but also leaseholds and the Dutch contribution to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).'
Ministry of Agriculture
Whether agriculture will be removed from economic affairs is still uncertain. Marc Calon, chairman of LTO Nederland, argues in any case for a Ministry of Food and Landscape in which practice, research and policy come together. Wiegersma: 'I can imagine that a collaboration between VVD, CDA, D66, VVD and CU and the tolerance of SGP is possible. This will make a ministry possible again and possibly a State Secretary for Nature.'
Result offers opportunities
Calon is also looking for a dynamic and careful cabinet formation. 'We assume that the interests are not lost sight of. This election result offers opportunities for Dutch agriculture and horticulture, but also for livestock farming. Think, for example, of international stability and a well-functioning internal market. That is vital for farmers and horticulturists.'
Henk Flipsen, chairman of the Nevedi, which represents the feed producers, agrees. He indicates that agriculture and horticulture need not be unhappy with the result. This is partly due to the pro-EU attitude and the opportunities they offer for international cooperation. Also, with the end of the elections, the populist power language will partly come to an end.
Sustainable fuel for economical engine
'But you also have populism in the form of parties that profile themselves very much through one subject. For example, based on the climate', says Flipsen. 'It's like we can regulate the climate from the Netherlands. A worrying development.' He says this because too little account is taken of the relationship to the economy when tackling the topics of sustainability and climate. 'The economic engine must be able to run on sustainable fuel. Agriculture and horticulture are part of this and are an excellent fit for a circular economy.' Words that Calon agrees with.
Arfman says that the sector now mainly needs a period of peace and vision. In the dairy sector, among other things, there has been an accumulation of rules and references in recent years.
Flipsen concludes that the elections provide prospects for a positive contribution to the economy, including a healthy agricultural and food sector, social aspects including education and a positive contribution to innovation.
FrieslandCampina says in a response that it will first wait for the formation before they come up with a response.
Read here what they think of the election results in arable farming.
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Herman van den Pol
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