Discussion about nitrogen problems leads to emotional appeal during Agricultural Debate

The current nitrogen problem was the subject of discussion last night during the Agricultural Debate in Alkmaar. Opinions of politicians differed considerably on how to solve the crisis.

One party advocates innovative solutions in the direction of the Lely Sphere, a device that converts nitrogen into fertilizer. The other party prefers to go a step further. Ines Kostić, Party for the Animals (PvdD): “The demand must change. Not as much as possible at the lowest possible cost, but as healthy as possible and good for the animals.” For example, the PvdD argues for more nature-inclusive farming. “We think that’s the future, we have to focus on that.”

The fact that it remains an emotionally charged subject was apparent, among other things, from the reaction of farmer Albert Hooijer from Weesp. He could no longer suppress his feelings during the debate and asked to speak.

“I can’t do anything with this at all,” he started after politicians started discussing innovation as a solution to the nitrogen problem. “I find it incomprehensible that, despite rising cost prices, agricultural companies have to reorganize due to scarcity, inflation, strikes and wage increases,” he says clearly emotionally.

He calls the Netherlands one of the most fertile parts of the world. “Food is our basic necessities. Just like water and air. I wonder if politicians are aware of what is going on in the world.”

Watch the entire debate below: