Society looking for farmer

The negative and one-sided reporting about the agricultural sector seems endless. This often concerns incorrect and politically colored information that is presented without nuance. Politics doesn't help either. The terminology used is interpreted by everyone according to their own insight.

In addition, the requirements and conditions imposed on the agricultural sector are becoming increasingly extreme. The farmer has to make do in this dynamic: financially and mentally. An attempt is made on all sides to prescribe to the farmer the interpretation of his entire business management.

Little room for food production
There is sufficient space in the Netherlands for housing, infrastructure, industry and (fragmented) nature, but apparently there is no room for food production. The fact that farmers (like many other companies in the Netherlands) also produce for export is under discussion. This often ignores how much food is imported; the New Zealand apples and the Spanish eggs are just examples.

The farmers (and especially the cattle) have to give way. Staying positive, despite all the tenor, is therefore a challenge in itself. You can deal with it in different ways: in the attack, in the defense, getting started with it or shutting yourself off from it. It's a personal decision.

a lot of change
There has always been change, including in the agricultural sector. This transition is now broader in scope than ever. Where previously it was all about optimisation, efficiency, cost price and scaling up, other aspects now come into play. Doing business in the agricultural sector is therefore not easy these days. In any case, more than ever, it also requires other capacities: more and different skills are needed.

You can close yourself off to all negative reporting, but not to the developments: they just continue. The abolition of various plant protection products and all obligations to promote biodiversity are some of those challenges. In addition, you also have to deal with climate change and you have to earn a living in a chain where market power lies anything but with the farmer. However, you will still have to ask yourself how you can anticipate this (in combination with what suits your personality and type of company). What strategic steps can you take? Doing nothing is not an option in my view.

Society is looking for a farmer
Perhaps one day, the shore will turn the ship. As long as the population and industry continue to grow, climate change really continues as fast as predicted and many agricultural companies have no successor, society may face very different challenges in the future.

Many people no longer know the value of our Dutch food and agricultural landscape management, but I predict: it will probably become 'Society seeks farmer' one day!

Jeanette Straver

Jeanette Straver is a senior relationship manager at Farmers Funding. Straver grew up on a mixed farm and married to a farmer. She has been active in higher agricultural education and banking for many years.

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