Farmers, a farm full of issues
Dutch farmers made their voices heard this week. Loud and clear. There is a lot of dissatisfaction, emotion and resentment. But also uncertainty about what the future will bring.
Farmer issues
Because the investments in farming in 2019 are large, the margins are small and the need for change is permanent. After all, the farmer's yard is full of all kinds of issues: sustainability, of course, but also animal welfare, biodiversity, energy, landscape management, quality of life, innovation – almost too many to mention. And then a feeling of powerlessness can sometimes arise. Sometimes it is too much at once, too complex, while the prospects for the future are unclear and therefore uncertain. Then a farmer sometimes becomes rebellious. And that is very understandable. The Dutch farmer can certainly count on sympathy from the Dutch. He receives a grade of 7.5, which puts him far above many professional groups in terms of popularity. But even that nice figure doesn't take away the farming feeling.
Connection by starting a conversation with the Netherlands
It can sometimes be lonely, there in that stable or outside on top of that tractor. Then all kinds of thoughts run through your head. The need for recognition comes up again and again. But the farmers cannot stay angry on the farm, that will not get them anywhere. It is important that they connect with the rest of the Netherlands. Really start having conversations about the difficult issues, about the real dilemmas. But also show the beautiful sides: the food, the innovations, the contributions to the landscape and nature.
Farmers, tell your own story
As farmers, tell your own story in such a way that it also comes across to all Dutch people. A young generation of farmers can take the lead in this, after all it is about their future. Show yourself where agriculture and our country should go. What choices are required for this and what solutions are associated with them. In which there can be a real future, one that can be supported by everyone in our country. Then real connections are created and new coalitions can emerge. Coalitions that are needed to jointly realize all the desired, but also necessary, transitions in this country.
Pieter Idenburg is Agro sector manager at De Issuemakers.
