In a conversation with Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Albert van Burgsteden argued for an area-oriented approach to nitrogen policy, designed with the farmers. “I would say: let the province lay down the frameworks and give the people control.”
The Drenthe way, that’s what Van Burgsteden from Een calls it. “We have always done it this way in our province. Talk to the farmer, instead of about the farmer. Go into the area, pick up what is being said and link it to the policy. Then you will get a supported plan. That is directly the work of an area broker.”
Last week, Van Burgsteden spoke with Rutte in Lemmer. Other parties involved in the approach to nitrogen policy were also present. “Rutte was in Friesland to visit a farmer in Koudum,” explains Van Burgsteden. “After that we spoke with him for 1.5 hours. I was the only farmer. At least: the only one who still really drives on the ground level.”
According to Van Burgsteden, Rutte was interested. “He wants to get rid of this misery, I noticed that. I asked myself the question: what can I give the Prime Minister to be able to solve the problem? I did not sit down as farmer Albert, but I did sit with the knowledge of farmer Albert.”
According to Van Burgsteden, the fact that Rutte takes the problems seriously is apparent from the fact that the politician is drawing the problem closer to him. “He makes what they do in Germany Chefsache name of. The bottom line is that he takes the problem away from his ministers and takes responsibility for it himself. That’s saying something.”
The agricultural sector is now awaiting the cabinet. “After the holidays, Minister Henk Staghouwer would come with a perspective letter”, Van Burgsteden knows. “But in the meantime Rutte has moved into the country to feel what is going on.”
Albert van Burgsteden is clear about what he thinks should be done. “The province must come up with rules of the game and the people must act on them. If the province is given sufficient confidence from the government to use the budgets independently, a great deal is possible. indicated.”