Dairy farmers are again talking more positively than 3 to 4 years ago. At the time, the tone from politics was mainly reproachful, but it could be even better. Johannes Kramer, deputy of the province of Friesland, believes that dairy farmers should change. However, he also mentions a culture shift that takes time.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) sees Friesland as the frontrunner in nature-inclusive agriculture. In any case, Friesland appears to be in a good mood for dairy farmers. Boerenbusiness talked to the deputy.
How do you view agriculture in Friesland and the role it plays?
"The farmer is indispensable for a livable countryside, but at the end it must not be forgotten that agriculture an economic activity is. And especially 1 where the economy and ecology must go hand in hand; on average, there are more opportunities than problems. We must, however, continue to engage in dialogue for a healthy agricultural sector and a liveable countryside. We don't want any Brabant conditions† Alone you run faster, but together you go further."
Friesland is the dairy farming province. What will the sector look like in 10 years?
"Then we will have a dairy farm with a high level of sustainability and innovation. The most sustainable agriculture in the world. Now we are 1 of the 5 European regions that will participate in the biodiversity plan. We want to make this easier and simpler and it doesn't have to be result in more bureaucracy. In any case, our aim is to make the rules simpler and simpler."
In recent years, a large number of rules have been imposed on dairy farmers from politics. How do you want to make things simpler and simpler again?
"Dairy farmers now have to deal with nitrate and phosphate, or a combination of both, and CO2 also plays a role. The aim is fewer rules and this can be done via land-relatedness. We are thinking of a land-related standard for the northern provinces; the number of animals in balance "We have had good conversations with the land-related committee. We are now waiting for the committee's advice, which will follow at the end of March. We will read that carefully and then we also want to contribute to our party."
Most of the production is processed in products across borders. Does this fit in with dairy farming, as you see it in the future?
"About 2/3 of dairy products are exported across borders, the majority of which find their way to European member states. No other sector is as oriented towards the European Union as the agricultural sector. I don't need a change in sales. Unlike meat, dairy has a much better and stronger story to take steps at its own pace. It requires a bit of awareness, so society must realize that you get the farmer who pays you. It cannot be that society leans back."
What challenge still lies ahead for dairy farming/agricultural entrepreneurs?
"The attitude is more positive than 3 to 4 years ago, but it could be even better. The realization that a farmer also has to earn money (also within politics) is starting to sink in. As I said before: it is an economic activity. On the other hand, things have become a habit. Dairy farmers need to know that the 'goodwill' is not infinite and changes are needed. The Frisian environmental federation is calling for speed to be made now, where Wil Meulenbroeks (LTO Dairy Farming) is asking for a period of, for example, 15 years and I agree with him. Time is needed for an economic and cultural turnaround. You can compare it with the attitude towards smoking or the position of women. It does not alter the fact that dairy farmers should work more in harmony with nature."
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