The collapse of the land agreement has not only important consequences for farmers, but also for the provinces. On July 1, administrators are due to announce their zone plans for how they will meet the 2030 nature, water and climate goals. But according to political journalist Leendert Beekman, provinces currently have virtually no tools to work with. .
“The BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) ​​​​​​has therefore already proposed to present the plans at a later date, but according to Deputy Drenth, responsible for presenting the plan, this is not legally possible,” says Beekman. Since it was already clear in advance that the agricultural agreement would not be ready in time, the provinces already had a draft ready.
Wait
However, the tools to address the problem are lacking, says the political journalist. “Now we have to wait for the cabinet to come up with a farmers outlook again, it’s been like this for a year.” Nederlands Agrarisch Jongeren Kontakt (NAJK) president Roy Meijer also confirms that it is now a matter of waiting. ‘There is no longer any perspective from the agriculture deal because that is now over, so otherwise it’s up to the province and national government to see what they can offer. We have to wait and see,’ explains Meijer.
“Everything remains incredibly unclear”
Both provinces and farmers had hoped the agriculture deal would offer more prospects, but that hasn’t worked out, according to Beekman. And this perspective is important for farmers, according to the political journalist. ‘Buy-out deals are already in place and when you’re making a choice as an entrepreneur, it’s important to know what options you have. But since there’s nothing there, we don’t know for the moment what’s going to happen, it’s all incredibly unclear.’
Huge impact
However, Deputy Elise Lemkes (CDA) still sees opportunities. ‘Provinces can look into ways to stimulate extensification and make land available. We too as Provinces have a responsibility and we are aware that we are achieving the objectives’. Lemkes agrees that it hasn’t gotten easy, but “we will continue to talk to the farmers in the area and the government.”
“If there is only one prospect with Prinsjesdag, then it is very late”
The collapse of the agricultural agreement therefore has a huge impact on both farmers and provinces. Another debate on this topic has been called for today, which will also focus on the outlook for farmers, Beekman says. ‘Behind the scenes I have heard that they are hoping there is a prospect towards Prinsjesdag, but the voluntary buyout scheme already expires on 1 December this year. If the plans are not on the table until Prinsjesdag, then it will be very late,’ said the political journalist.
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.
