A group of approximately 150 farmers handed over a pamphlet to deputy Jelle Beemsterboer (BBB) in the Haarlem provincial government building this morning. The farmers are angry: they believe the rules that the EU imposes on the sector are unfeasible. Political administrators understand the concerns of the protesting farmers, but are also critical.
This morning the farmers left Beverwijk, via the Velsertunnel, towards Haarlem. Apart from a few minor traffic jams, everything went very smoothly, according to the ANWB. Once they arrived at the provincial government building in Haarlem, the farmers spoke with deputy Jelle Beemsterboer (BBB), among others.
Critical note
Some drivers showed their understanding for the protest this morning. This is what Deputy Beemsterboer says about it: “There is so much going on in the agricultural sector, I understand that farmers visit all provincial houses. We are in consultation with governments, and we understand that processes take time, but farming families are at a loss. We are also dependent on the government and European regulations. In many matters we feel the same powerlessness that the farmers feel.”
However, not all directors seem to support the protest. For example, Member of Parliament Sijmen Mulder (D66) understands that farmers protect their work, but he is also critical: “It is good that farmers make their voices heard, but I also hope that they listen to the answers from the provincial government today.” “I hope they see that we have to solve this together, but also have other tasks, such as protecting nature. We have to come up with an alternative, not everything can continue in the same way.”
NH was present live at the protest today. The highlights of the broadcast can be viewed below.