‘Greenhouse horticulture closer to political source, so off to Brussels’
© Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands
The closer to the political source, the greater the chance of influence on decision-making. Although part of the interests of greenhouse horticulture in Brussels can be represented by LTO Nederland, Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands decided a few years ago to have its own lobbyist in Brussels and The Hague.
The task is to be alert to upcoming regulations. Because it is becoming more and more clear that the source of national political decisions mainly lies in Brussels. In addition, greenhouse horticulture is an unknown reality for the EU politician or official.
Lobbying is primarily collaboration. Anticipating the new legislation that, at first sight, does not appear to have any influence on greenhouse horticulture, but can be important upon closer inspection. For example, last week there was talk about new purchases related to nature restoration and crop protection. As a Dutch delegation, we have plans for the consequences of even stricter nature restoration requirements and more nature creation. In the Netherlands we are already seeing that we are getting stuck in such obligations. More space for a river can become a bottleneck if a glasshouse horticultural area is in the way of those regulations.
Alertness is required, as is cooperation. Initially with lobbyists from other links in our chain, but certainly also with adjacent sectors. Because the amended Water Framework Directive and the Regulation for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products are much extensive and extensive.
Greenhouse horticulture is a unique sector. An advantage in the market, a point of attention in the lobby
We are a unique sector in terms of size, knowledge, technology and experience. An advantage in the market, a point of attention in the lobby. In response to the proposal of the EU crop protection policy, we highlighted the unique position of greenhouse horticulture with the request for sectoral exceptions in the original no.
As an energy-intensive and closed sector, greenhouse horticulture often occupies a unique position in the agri-food chain. Further requirements for recognition of results in new legislation and regulations. Precisely because we can make a good contribution to the goals of the European Green Deal.
We remain in close contact with the European and Dutch institutions and partner organizations to raise our concerns about current EU legislation. Reasons enough to sit as close to the source as possible.