BBB does not cheer for Staghouwer's choice as minister

Henk Staghouwer, the new Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), is not welcomed with open arms by BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB). The party of Caroline van der Plas (photo) says in a statement that it is surprised with the ChristenUnie's choice for Staghouwer. BBB takes a critical look at the new minister because, according to the party, he has certainly not pursued a farmer-friendly policy as the deputy for agriculture of the Province of Groningen.

BBB is pleased with Staghouwer's file knowledge, but points out that he has faithfully followed the policy of the current Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten in recent years. A change of course for LNV under his administration is therefore not possible, concludes BBB. The party fears that Staghouwer, like his predecessor Schouten, will continue to buy up farms. Although Staghouwer will not be directly responsible for nitrogen policy - there will be a minister especially for Nitrogen and Nature - BBB is certainly not happy with its nitrogen policy in Groningen. The party points out that under his rule, the nitrogen dossier in Groningen escalated, with the storming of the provincial government on October 14, 2019 (the door was forced by farmers) as the low point. 

Farmers don't feel heard
"After a short conversation with Commissioner Staghouwer, the farmers returned disappointed, misunderstood and full of emotion, partly because many farmers were (and are) victims of the earthquake damage and have not been heard in that file (also in Staghouwer's portfolio). felt, like many Groningers," BBB said in a statement. Van der Plas's party calls for Staghouwer to be a minister for all farmers: large or small, regular or organic. "These farmers need land to make their business future-proof. However, Staghouwer established a pre-emptive right on almost 600 hectares of agricultural land last year. He wants to use this land for industry, in particular for the Eemshaven."

Connection and consultation
"Hopefully as minister Staghouwer will opt for connection and consultation and he will really listen to what farmers and the entire agricultural chain need in order to maintain their raison d'être." declares BBB. "Staghouwer has a large network, a lot of knowledge and experience and he will need this to represent the interests of the Netherlands in Brussels. The derogation has become very uncertain under Schouten, decisiveness towards Brussels is now necessary."

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