'Lack of agricultural knowledge in EU parliament is painful'

I was present on Thursday 2 May at the European agricultural election debate in Marum, organized for the 3 northern provinces. There were about 130 people in the room. Whether this is a lot, I leave up to you. The organization was in any case satisfied, and because of the size of the hall it seemed well filled.

No fewer than 7 parties took part in the debate. Outside, Jan Huitema (VVD), as always in good spirits and in overalls, was already waiting for everyone. Besides Annie Schreijer (CDA), many new faces for me also took part in the debate. Even an unknown party: Volt. A party that stands for a more decisive, more democratic and more transparent Europe.

They are beautiful words, but the question is what they contain and what it will mean for agriculture. It is a fact that MEPs can vote down proposals from the Agriculture Commissioner, as can be seen with the ban on neonicotinoids: European Commissioner Phil Hogan was against a ban. In addition, MEPs are strongly influenced by lobbyists. That is also the reason that they ultimately voted in favor of a ban on pulse fishing.

Lack of agricultural knowledge
The 7 propositions that were discussed were about the future of agriculture, the climate, the various social services, the market and fertilizer policy. However, the lack of knowledge and experience about agriculture became painfully clear to many participants. Parties such as GroenLinks, D66, SP, all want agriculture to remain a strong and sustainable sector with a sufficient margin. Who doesn't want that? According to them, the livestock must be drastically reduced and more production must be done on a regional scale. Also, no soy may be imported from overseas areas.

A comment from the audience as to whether it was known to Jeroni Vergeer (GroenLinks) that the livestock had already shrunk drastically since the 60s, was slightly astonishing. This was easily countered by Huitema by saying that the livestock sector in the Netherlands produces the most CO .₂- is efficient. In other words: we should keep more animals in the Netherlands. Otherwise they will be sold abroad with a higher CO₂footprint kept.

eerie silence
It bothers me in such debates that many people assume far too easily that the agricultural sector must change itself and that it is itself responsible for this. When asked: how then?, there is an alarming silence. They forget that the primary sector in the chain must deliver what is required, and at the best quality. Dutch agriculture is in the best position to do this, resulting in oversupply and tight margins. The real margins end up in retail.

The agricultural sector needs good market prices and a level European playing field. That means no exchange of agricultural interests in trade agreements. Only then can you set additional requirements. As long as there is not, we will always continue to discuss in the same circle: agriculture may want to change that, but it is not able to.

I would therefore like to see new representatives in the European Parliament acquire this knowledge and make further efforts to strengthen the position of the sector in the chain.

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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