Check the box for arable farming research

It has taken a long time, but the time has finally come: a jointly funded study for and by all arable farmers. There is only one step that still needs to be taken, and this requires the commitment of all arable farmers.

I have the idea that not all growers are aware of the challenges the agricultural sector faces. Often the thought is: "It will take my time", but that will not save us in the longer term. For example, consider the various developments surrounding crop protection products, reduced soil fertility, the climate challenge, the changing cap and the emotional discussions surrounding food production.

We live in a world where facts no longer matter and where we have to have our own plan and story ready. Research and innovation on our regional pilot farms help to respond to these changes and to support the change that must come from the sector. Moreover, it makes no sense to keep on defending and defending that we are so innovative. Innovation is not a goal, but a means.

Funding research
The next step is how financing should be arranged in practice. The Arable Farming Industry Organization (BO Arable farming) has been in talks with the ministry on this subject for over 2 years. It was about how we can ensure that all arable farmers in the Netherlands can contribute to research and innovation in the arable sector in a simple but reliable way. The sector's wish is to allow this to take place via the acreage figures specified in the Combined Statement.

However, the ministry has continuously withheld this, due to privacy reasons. In the meantime, BO Akkerbouw has drawn up a research package, which should run until 2020. Think of fertilization research, soil research and research to promote resilient cultivation systems. If these wishes come from practice and cross-crop. In the meantime, however, the implementation of this has been seriously delayed, because the financing has not yet been arranged.

Area statement via RVO.nl
The ministry recently approved the area statement via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl). However, the link is not automatic. Growers have to tick the box themselves, in order to share your data with BO Akkerbouw. I regularly hear that advisors don't tick the box blindly. As growers, please note that this does happen.

De Combined statement can be submitted until May 15 and can be changed until June 15. My appeal is therefore: everyone (still) tick the box, because we benefit from a long-term and practice-oriented research package with results that remain public. We all reap the benefits of that.

Doeko van 't Westeinde

Doeko van 't Westeinde is an arable farmer in Northeast Groningen. He is a former director of the daily management of the NAJK. There he was portfolio holder for arable farming.

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