Van der Tak: ‘Improper management from Brussels’
The already low and fragile confidence of the Dutch farmer is once again seriously affected by the early introduction of new deviating rules. That is what LTO Netherlands chairman Sjaak van der Tak says.
The chairman does not blame this on Agriculture Minister Piet Adema, who, according to him, has done everything to stand up for Dutch agricultural interests. ‘This is a consequence of Brussels politics. It’s mismanagement. We and are investigating whether we can take legal action towards Brussels to recover the damage suffered by the farmers. We think we can do that on the basis of the Convention on Human Rights. Because this is not fair and not reasonable.’
According to Van der Tak, farmers run into problems as a result of unreliable government policy. ‘This while 2023 would actually be a learning year. The sector had the prospect of a transition period, but that is now simply brushed off the table. Dutch farmers are not prepared for this.’
Multiple sectors
The chairman of LTO Nederland sees that bringing forward new regulations and adding new rules not only affects dairy farmers, but also arable farmers, field vegetable growers and flower bulb growers. ‘This will cost the sector millions of euros.’
The legal step that LTO Nederland will take will no longer help farmers and market gardeners this year, Van der Tak admits. ‘But we do want to send a very clear signal. This is over a limit for us and we will defend against this.’