'The fertilizer sector needed this push'

Jaap Uenk, chairman of the fertilizer distribution section of the trade association Cumela Netherlands, reacts to the fertilizer fraud. "Perhaps we needed this push. I dare to admit that." Uenk refers to the manure fraud article by NRC that appeared on Saturday 11 November.

The article was a reason for Minister Schouten to call on Cumela, LTO, POV and Rabobank on Monday evening, November 13. Uenk: "It was a penetrating conversation." Schouten emphatically pointed out to the sector parties their own responsibility. According to her, the fault lies with the fraudster. She also pointed out that this could jeopardize the derogation.

Schouten has instructed the sector parties, supplemented by the sector organization Transport and Logistics Netherlands (TNL), to present a sector plan within 1 month. This action plan must contain measures to combat manure fraud and must bring about a cultural change in the sector.