Today, the vets opt for the cargo bike to visit their customers in order not to emit nitrogen for a day. “We want to make it a point that the farmers pay for the nitrogen problem and that other causes are forgotten. That feels very unfair,” says veterinarian Bernd Hietberg.
“We support the farmers’ protest. An average of ten people work behind every farmer in the Netherlands. And they all feel affected. I visit livestock farmers every day. They work hard to take good care of the animals and to innovate.”
Hietberg also fears for his own practice. “Most vets we serve are located around nature reserves. If they have to leave, there is nothing left for us to do.”
The vet is calling on everyone involved in farming to park their vehicles at the roadside with the flashing lights on tonight to support farmers returning from Stroe.