Farmer must look to Ajax for green revolution

A few weeks ago, Rabobank announced the green revolution in agriculture and horticulture, in which the bank wants to accelerate the sustainability of the agricultural sector through a series of initiatives.

The bank's ambition for the agri-food chain is clear: the C0₂halving emissions, promoting circular agriculture, stimulating biodiversity, halving food waste and boosting farmers' sustainable entrepreneurship.

food forward
To this end, Rabobank is developing national and regional initiatives, of which Food Forward was the starting signal a few weeks ago. The bank strives to offer agricultural entrepreneurs as much knowledge, expertise and solutions as possible, so that these entrepreneurs have the right tools to make their business operations more sustainable. According to Carin van Huët, Food & Agri director at Rabobank Nederland, a healthy income (to make these sustainable investments) is an essential condition. That is the same as if the consumer is willing to pay more for a sustainable product.

With entrepreneurial and financial incentives such as a sustainability matrix (where points are scored for an interest discount or extra credit), a business compass, soil index or biodiversity monitor, the bank tries to stimulate the farmer towards sustainability. have a video made, in which the historical perspective of developments in Dutch agriculture and horticulture is aptly explained to the public.

The fact that a bank feels obliged to take on the role of sustainable chain director is a stepping stone for the inability of organized agriculture and horticulture to put their shoulders to the wheel themselves.

Ajax already inspiration
For sustainable success in its own country, and internationally, Dutch agriculture and horticulture are still highly regarded, the sector can be inspired by the current success of Ajax in the Champions League. Because with the current defensive tactics, the sector is constantly being shaken. Just take a look at the developments of the last few weeks: the ban on neonicotinoids in arable farming and the campaigns against glyphosate, mega stalls, substance use in flower bulbs and calf deaths. National media also have no problem joining in with the activists' rhetoric. They announced the restructuring scheme for pig farms as the end of 'stinky pig farms'.

To prevent that you as an agricultural sector encounter too many opponents who use 'the saw' and who sit on a large bag of money, it is better to use Ajax's tactics. With a combination of young talent, experience and fresh and surprising attacking game you can set the green revolution in motion. You can also see on the football field how far you can go as a team if you leave the beaten track and show commitment and courage as a collective. This can also turn public opinion, because the whole of the Netherlands suddenly seems to rally behind Ajax. Now as FC Agrarisch Nederland find a trainer like Erik ten Hag.

Eric the Thrush

Eric is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. As a descendant of an arable family, farmer's blood flows through Eric's veins. He considers himself a generalist, but with a preference for economics, trends, markets and marketing.

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