800 West Flemish farmers and horticulturists will drive tractors to Brussels tomorrow
He wants to drastically reduce emissions. But after long negotiations, the ministers have not yet succeeded in reaching an agreement. Farmers are worried and fear for their future.
Bjarne Inghelbrecht : Farmer from Ichtegem: “It’s a peaceful protest. It’s not that we want to cause damage. We really don’t want to aggravate people on the road.”
Franky Vanroose, General Boerensyndicaat ABS: “We said: only tractors are allowed. We have also clearly agreed that those who want to join with cars and trucks are not allowed to join. We would have preferred to drive on the highways. But we were not allowed “We insisted. We were going to be the fastest in Brussels and back. Now it has to go along regional roads and that will cause some delays.”
Catastrophe
From Gistel, the tractors will head towards Torhout from 6 am, then via Pittem to Tielt and from there towards Deinze and Nazareth in East Flanders. From Ypres, the column travels over Roeselare, to Izegem and Anzegem. A detailed overview can be found on our website. “It is a long drive, but that will not stop us. It will indeed be a long day, but we are willing to accept that. Everyone leaves from their own base at home and various points have been indicated where we will meet.”
Jeroen Gadeyne, farmer: “We will honk in Brussels to show that we do not agree with the Flemish government and their measures. It will be a catastrophe for our agriculture and horticulture.”
It is 8 years ago that such a large tractor column moved to Brussels. Up to 2,000 agricultural vehicles are expected. The message from farmers is clear. The Flemish government must adjust the nitrogen agreement.