Usefulness of an emergency radio and Deloitte's calculation

The emergency radio featured prominently on Sinterklaas's wish lists. All Dutch citizens received a "Think Ahead" brochure in their mailbox explaining what to do in an emergency. Besides stocking up on sufficient supplies, including 3 liters of water per person per day, it's important to have a radio at home that doesn't rely on electricity.

A caring government is a valuable asset, especially in a world that seems less safe now that trade restrictions and a war on the fringes of Europe dominate daily headlines. Fear seems a powerful tool to galvanize citizens into action.

The Hidden Bill
A recent Deloitte report, titled "The Hidden Bill," fits seamlessly into the flood of doom-mongering. The report, commissioned by the Food Transition Coalition and the Robin Food Coalition, calculates that Dutch agriculture costs society more than it generates. The added value of agriculture is estimated at approximately €13,3 billion per year. This is offset by societal costs of approximately €18,6 per year. According to Deloitte, the difference is the hidden price that society pays for environmental damage, climate impact, biodiversity loss, water and air quality, and health impacts.

Fear polarizes
Fear is deeply ingrained in everyone who believes in a controllable world. Fear is generally not a good counselor. Fear fosters an "us versus them" mentality. Fear changes the relationship between citizens and the government. From a relationship based on trust and cooperation to one based on obedience and distrust. The call for a strong leader is growing, leading to polarization in politics and the media. Fear paralyzes critical thinking. People who fear war, terrorism, viruses, or existential uncertainty are inclined to trade their freedoms for security.

Let's be clear: the trade war is real, just like the war in Ukraine. The question above all is: do we flee into pessimism or do we believe in optimism? What does Deloitte's calculation look like if we also consider consumer behavior, the market, global trade, and the social value of the Dutch countryside as a whole, of which agriculture and horticulture form an integral part?

Basic necessities
In an uncertain world, basic, daily necessities are essential: food, energy, housing, jobs, healthcare, and space to move around. The countryside offers it all: safe, sufficient, healthy, and affordable food, solar and wind energy, new residential areas, and a strong SME sector, the heart of the Dutch economy. The countryside offers ample space for exercise, relaxation, and recreation. Control healthcare costs: get out of the expensive gym and into the outdoors! The countryside also provides sufficient freshwater storage for private individuals, industry, and agriculture. And last but not least: we cannot preserve nature without farmers and contractors. Who else would manage it 24/7 with passion, experience, and expertise?

True value
Deloitte reportedly concludes that the "true value" of the countryside far exceeds its costs and that rewarding nature and landscape management—rather than a meager expense allowance—is entirely justified for this added value. With this, Deloitte also counters criticism of "The Hidden Bill." Environment, climate, biodiversity, water, air, and health: the key lies in the countryside!

It's all about your mindset when you're glued to your emergency radio. How many glasses of water will you pour from a three-liter emergency ration? Are your glasses half full or half empty?

Wim Groot Koerkamp

Founder ReMarkAble, co-founder BBB, founder AT THE TABLE!

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