News Budget Day
Incomprehension about 'perspective' for farmers in Troonrede
Little new under the sun in the agricultural field in the Speech from the Throne that was delivered by King Willem-Alexander this afternoon (Tuesday 20 September), but it was striking that a long passage had been made available for the farmers. The Speech from the Throne was disappointing for Agractie: "The king told the same message that we have been hearing for months." This morning several tractors were seized from farmers who went to The Hague in protest. Also along the route of the carriage, demonstrators with upturned Dutch flags made themselves heard.
Remarkably enough, the king also mentioned the future prospects of farmers, which is why there is so much to do: "The switch to circular agriculture demands a lot, but offers farmers prospects for a good future and a decent income." What that future prospect consists of, understandably not further discussed. As is known, the now resigned agriculture minister Henk Staghouwer was sent back to the drawing board by the House with his perspective letter. Johan Remkes, who led the talks between farmers' organizations and the cabinet, would also consider future prospects in his evaluation, but he has yet to present his findings.
LTO Netherlands responds: "There is a lot of anger and powerlessness among Dutch farmers and horticulturists. They have to deal with blow after blow and the government is still unable to give the beckoning future prospects. Solving this crisis of confidence between politics and the countryside requires all the attention of the government. cabinet ... There is now so much that is coming at the agricultural entrepreneur, while concrete figures of the expected loss of income and what the government is doing in return as a multi-year earning perspective are missing.
Agractie does not see the perspective either, according to a response to the Speech from the Throne: "There is great uncertainty about the future of our children and our companies are outlawed due to the lack of legal protection and numerous processes. How much would farmers like to get started? with feasible and affordable measures, to continue to farm and to continue to produce food for the Netherlands and our neighboring countries with support in society! ... Unfortunately, we cannot discover any positive points that remove any of the mistrust and uncertainty or give hope."
This morning farmers took tractors to the center of The Hague in protest. Several trucks have been seized. Along the route of the carriage, farmers, but also civilians, stood with upturned flags.
'Future agenda tolerates no delay'
"The agenda for the future does not tolerate any delay", the king began the passage about the farmers in the Speech from the Throne. "The cabinet will do everything possible to gain broad support for tackling the nitrogen problems. Industry, the mobility sector and agriculture must reduce emissions. The aim is to restore nature, a vital countryside and a good future for Dutch farmers. That is why halving nitrogen emissions is unavoidable, also because of court decisions and to ensure that licensing does not come to a standstill.At the same time, there are understandable emotions from farmers who fear for the future of their family business that they are so proud of, often for generations. long."
It was emphasized that in the coming year decisions will be made about the agricultural transition: "It is important to take sufficient time in the coming year for the precise details per area. are the best option. Banks, feed manufacturers, supermarkets and consumers also have their own responsibility. In the coming year, the cabinet will work with all parties on joint solutions."
Linda van Eekeres
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