'Suckler cow farmers should be given more time'

The VleesveeNL Foundation is advocating that the registration period for the exemption scheme for suckler cow farmers be extended. "There is a lot of uncertainty among beef farmers about the phosphate law," the sector organization said in a press release.

The organization states that it mainly receives questions about the practical consequences of the scheme. "The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) has been given a more than reasonable period of time to assess the files of beef farmers," the organization said. "However, that does not apply to the beef farmers. They are given an unreasonably short term, in which (on the basis of many ambiguities) irreversible decisions are requested."

Exemption scheme
The suckler cow farmers who beschikking have had, can register until November 6. Farmers to whom no rights have (yet) been allocated can register for the exemption scheme until December 1. The trade association strives for the registration period for both groups to run until December 31, 2018. "Or until a reasonable moment after the cattle farmer has received a decision on a submitted objection," reports VleesveeNL.

"That gives RVO.nl the opportunity and time to properly inform farmers and it gives livestock farmers time to make a well-considered choice." In addition, VleesveeNL reports that participating in the exemption scheme or producing under the phosphate scheme is a major decision, which has consequences for business operations.

Importance for the government
In the press release, VleesveeNL also reports that a longer registration period has advantages for the government. "Due to the lack of clarity, we notice that farmers do not dare to opt for the exemption. Participation will be greater if farmers have information and have a good idea of ​​the consequences for their business." 

There is a separate category: entrepreneurs who have lodged an objection against the decision or reorder they received from RVO.nl. "They do not dare to participate in the exemption scheme for fear that their objection will be rejected more quickly. And they have not filed that objection for nothing," said VleesveeNL.

Often (advice) costs have also been incurred, which prevents farmers from registering for the exemption. "That is why it should be possible for livestock farmers to make a decision only after their objection has been dealt with. Only then will there be clarity for them."

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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