“A sad day” and “an incredible missed opportunity”. These are the words of Agriculture Minister Piet Adema (Cda) after the failure of negotiations for an agricultural agreement. Following the decision by LTO Nederland to no longer participate in the talks, the participating parties see no reason for further consultations. “The agricultural table no longer exists, there are only losers,” says political journalist Sophie van Leeuwen.
“Actually, everyone we talk to today shares Adema’s opinion. Young farmers, supermarkets and the province. The agricultural table no longer exists,’ says Van Leeuwen. “There is disappointment everywhere.”
Indignation
According to Van Leeuwen, LTO Netherlands’ decision to stop the talks came as a surprise. According to those involved, LTO chairman Sjaak van der Tak said he wanted to end the talks immediately after his arrival last night. “But the negotiations hadn’t started yet and he feels outraged about it,” says Van Leeuwen. ‘Minister Adema also says that the talks are well advanced, that the homework has been done and that the Cabinet has made commitments. But there was no serious possibility of negotiating it.’
However, Van der Tak (LTO) indicates that he no longer trusts the process and the Cabinet. “They want to decide for themselves how to solve the problems with nitrogen and water and they don’t need any obligations,” explains Van Leeuwen. “Anyway, he just pulled the plug without arguing.”
Shocking
It seems that LTO Netherlands might want to meet again in the autumn. The government must therefore come up with a new plan. ‘But Adema doesn’t feel that way, it’s now or never for him. LTO had a chance. All of this is humiliating,’ says Van Leeuwen.
The question now is whether LTO Netherlands has stepped aside. In any case, it has become clear that uncertainty for farmers is only growing. ‘There is nothing now, the farmers don’t know where they are.’ Adema will discuss the situation this Friday in the Council of Ministers. There could then be a plan for the agricultural sector without the collaboration of its major representative.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
