:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/611ed60e-06a1-11ed-a540-0217670beecd.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "Rutte in Limburg in conversation with farmers: ‘We are going to get this under control’ | Inland")
On the way to the farm where the meeting with various farmers took place, many red, white and blue flags were blown in the top. Quite a difference with many other roads, where the flag was hung upside down above viaducts, on facades and lampposts. The blue-white-red symbolizes support for farmers, but also conveys an anti-government sentiment. It will probably have been a coincidence, but there was respect for the Prime Minister on Monday.
“It is important for a farmer that he can still see the picket post in the distance,” said pig farmer Hans Verhoeven after the meeting in the garden of the family that runs the company. “If he can’t see that anymore, he won’t move. Perspective is just really important. Especially for young entrepreneurs. They also sat at the table, and could tell what it feels like to be a young farmer today, looking to the future.”
‘We think along’
He mainly blames politicians for not communicating, at least not properly. ,,You cannot spread a map over the Netherlands and then say that it is only one direction. If there is communication from The Hague to the sector, and it is already in full swing, there must be more balance.” That message got across, he said. ,,And then you also notice that our heels don’t go in the sand. We do not deny the problem, we also think along with you in a solution-oriented way.”
Rutte emphasized that he understands the concerns and anger of farmers. “We have a very big problem that we have to get under control, especially if we want to build. For me, these are essential conversations, because that’s how I talk to people who are dealing with this misery. They also put forward ideas on how to solve the problem.” He wouldn’t say what those were. “I don’t know if they are all possible, but I will take them with me in my back pocket to The Hague.”
Tears
Livestock farmer Leon Lacroix sincerely hopes that the visit has triggered something. The ammonia discussion is especially important for him, which has far-reaching consequences. ,,I come from South Limburg, from the Heuvelland, and there are plans there that mean that 70 to 95 percent of the dairy cows have to leave. Ultimately, we are mainly dealing with ministers Van der Wal and Staghouwer, and their plans offer so little perspective. I hope that the Prime Minister will have another thorough discussion with the cabinet, to see if there are other options as well.”
Because, he adds with tears in his eyes, it really can’t be like that. ,,I have been a farmer for 45 years, and I am awake by the plans that have been presented. I have a business successor, my son has also put ten years of his life into the business. He is a farmer through and through, and wants to become one. We are all dealing with family businesses, with which families have to earn their living. Wife and children often already participate in the company. Our right to exist is at stake, and that cuts into it.”
Rutte could not offer the farmers much hope, but he did try to sketch a view. “We didn’t just solve the problems, but in the longer term we will get this under control.”
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