Staghouwer wants to meet with farmers' organizations

Henk Staghouwer, the Minister of Agriculture, wants to meet with all farmers' organizations next week to discuss the future prospects for farmers and the farmers' protests against nitrogen policy in recent days. However, he does stipulate that only organizations are welcome that take action in a dignified manner and that the conversation can also take place in peace.

Staghouwer made the call on Thursday morning at the opening of the Lely Campus in Lelystad, which was performed by King Willem-Alexander. The minister indicated that he would sit down with the farmers' organizations as soon as possible, but those organizations that will take action in a correct manner in the coming days. "And government officials and members of parliament, for example, visiting their homes is not part of that," said Staghouwer. According to him, the discussion with the organizations should be about how Dutch agriculture can achieve the climate goals set by the cabinet as optimally as possible. "This certainly also includes innovation, just like circular agriculture, water and climate."

Staghouwer emphasizes that a lot has been discussed about farmers in recent days, but not with farmers. "The image remains that we are consciously aiming to reduce the entire agricultural sector. That is absolutely not the case. Farmers make fantastic products and are doing well. But we have to change, make more sustainable, in climate, nitrogen and water. And I have said it before, but say it again: we want to keep a strong agricultural sector and primary producer."

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