Brouns: “Flanders must offer sector support in energy crisis and nitrogen agreement”

The fortieth edition of Agriculture Day has been festively opened in the Jerseyhoeve in De Haan. Boerenbond chairman Lode Ceyssens, Flemish Minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns, and business leaders Bruno and Steffie officially kicked off. This year 51 agricultural and horticultural companies will open their business to the general public. The importance of local food production and the energy crisis are central, but the energy crisis is also a major challenge for the agricultural sector.

Many farmers therefore invest in renewable energy. For example, the owners of Jerseyhoeve Bruno and Steffie have invested in their own electricity production. “Last year we installed a windmill. This year we added another 50 kilowatt-peak solar panels and installed a battery system. This way we can become increasingly self-sufficient.”

The nitrogen agreement was also discussed on Agriculture Day. “We are on the eve of an important transition. It is important that we do this together with the agricultural sector and that we give them opportunities to make that happen,” says Agriculture Minister Jo Brouns.