'It won't be okay if we all go to court'

Johan Remkes has a full agenda this week. Today (August 17) the employers' organizations sit down with him to discuss the nitrogen plans. The chain parties will be present tomorrow. At least, those who accepted the invitation. Monday it was the turn of the nature organizations. The Private Land Ownership Federation (FPG) was one of the invitees. As far as the association is concerned, the nitrogen plans will be dropped and a dialogue will be initiated. And then only with those directly involved.

The 1.600 members of FPG jointly own 200.000 hectares of land and they are owners and managers of both agricultural and natural land. Boerenbusiness spoke with FPG director Gerbrand van 't Klooster about the meeting with the cabinet led by Remkes.

Owners of FPG are members of both agricultural land and nature reserves. How do you represent those conflicting interests in the nitrogen issue?
"These interests are not so opposed. Our members are estate owners, institutional investors and private individuals. They have in common that they want to manage land sustainably and pass it on to the next generation. They do this through the economy, ecology and often cultural history, for example the estates. bring together." 

What did you bring up during that conversation with Remkes on Monday?
"We said a few things. First of all, it is important to establish that there is a real crisis of confidence between the government and agriculture and it is necessary to put energy into it first to solve that. The nitrogen plans are one-sided and sectoral. The plans were made with the shutters closed, so without proper consultation and input from agriculture, nature and owners. It is logical that they are now encountering a lot of criticism if you also see how far-reaching these plans are and how desperate the government is. clings to.

We also believe that nature needs protection. Measures have to be taken, but this way, and without perspective for agriculture, you will not achieve that. We have to sit down at the table. Start by first jointly exploring how you can come up with feasible plans that have support. Without support, implementation becomes problematic. In other words, it's not just about the goals and the timeline, but the people involved will also have to feel co-owner of the problem and part of the solution."                 

Did you feel that you were being listened to?
"You have to see it this way: Remkes formulated a number of questions and asked them to reflect. He took note of this and asked in-depth questions about it. They were absolutely no negotiations. They are conversations to explore which solutions are offered to to get out of the current impasse. He will make a report of this with an advice to the cabinet. I can imagine that this is now necessary, but the follow-up must really be that parties who want to work on a solution come together. I see that there are parties, including some environmental organizations that are quite rigid and ideological in it and are not really looking for a compromise. Then the conversation has failed from the start. If the cabinet wants a solution, it has to sit down with those who want a solution with respect for nature, agriculture and owners."

FPG opts for land-based, extensive and nature-inclusive agriculture close to nature reserves, using innovations in management and modern and advanced barn techniques. Isn't that partly in line with what the government wants?
"The cabinet is not clear about this. Cards have been sent out into the world. It is now being said: the card is not important, but the reductions are. The way in which it should be done is the area-oriented approach. We strongly agree with that. , but they don't get much further. The way we see it, there are different flavors: you can extensify, broaden or move. You can also stop. Ask entrepreneurs to make a business plan. Take those plans and wishes into account. Use resources. Not not only money, but also land use: farmers estates; a combination of dairy farming with extensive forms, such as care, recreation and housing. In short: utilize and strengthen the economic strength in the rural area; The financial viability of companies is under enormous pressure, so what is left of sustainability?"

What is the feeling among the farmers who are members of your association?
"It is quite serious what is going on, very worrying. I have been involved in this world of advocacy for a while, but that you are in such a position is special. You see among our member farmers, there are a few hundred, a feeling of anger and powerlessness: why is this happening? They always feel like the head of jut. A number of social organizations have no understanding, or rather: no knowledge about what agriculture entails. The question is whether they do want a vital rural area with agriculture. You see the question among members: is this really about this or is there more to it?" 

You want the nitrogen plans to be put off the table and then to hold intensive consultations with representatives of agriculture, private owners and the nature sector. Nitrogen Minister Van der Wal has again indicated this week that the targets for 2030 remain in place…
"I've heard that too. It doesn't help that parties dig in further. There must be a dialogue. They must ask themselves what a feasible process is and with whom you will go through that process. With respect for NGOs, but in our view, those are those directly involved who contribute more than an opinion. In any case with the owners and managers, nature organizations and farmers. They have land, they have a business. Support is required for the feasibility of a nitrogen plan, otherwise we will We will all go to court and I am sure that the goals in 2030 will not go well."

Linda van Eekeres

Linda van Eekeres is co-writing editor-in-chief. She mainly focuses on macro-economic developments and the influence of politics on the agricultural sector.

l.vaneekeres@boerenbusiness. Nl

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