Making farmers and market gardeners more resilient and keeping criminals out. It seems like an impossible task, but Femke van de Plas, ZLTO’s confidential advisor for rural areas in Brabant, sees it differently. “Farmers are increasingly finding their way to me, although I am afraid that the number of reports is the tip of the iceberg.”
Femke van de Plas (46) focuses, among others, on farmers who are members of the Southern Agriculture and Horticultural Organization (ZLTO). Her position was created by the Ministry of Justice and Security in close cooperation with this interest group. They want to put an end to the situation where farmers and market gardeners allow themselves to be blackmailed, especially by drug gangs.
The immediate reason for this decision was a study in 2020 that showed that one in five farmers and horticulturists in Brabant, among others, is sometimes approached by criminals. Usually to rent empty stables, greenhouses or sheds for drug practices. But it also became clear that farmers barely report this.
Partly thanks to the cooperation with the police, the judiciary and the local ZLTO departments, Femke has formed a good picture of the situation in the outlying area in less than a year. It took her a lot of persuasion in a number of cases.
Farmers prefer to do their own thing and don’t easily give their trust to a complete stranger. If they do open their door, it must be for a special reason. Many farmers are going through difficult times and if they can earn a little extra money, they are willing to take the plunge when approached for this. Ignorant of what hangs over their heads.
“Many farmers don’t fall for it, but realize the position they can be in.”
Femke: “Those criminals know exactly which farmers are vulnerable and often strike in a very devious way. For example, by entering the social network of farmers or by finding them willing to park a car. Once they get a foot in the door, you’re stuck with it as a farmer. I know really serious cases.”
The confidential adviser finds it too easy to call farmers naive. “Many farmers don’t fall for it, but also realize the difficult position they can find themselves in. Substantial investments, uncertainty about the future and, above all, a lack of confidence in the government.”
“There are so many rules, which also change from time to time. There is also great uncertainty about the increasing vacancy rate. Farmers have a lot of trouble with that. Why would they go to the police or a municipality?”
“Farmers can always call me.”
“It would make a big difference if there were a flying brigade that farmers could call when drugs are being dumped on their property. That would save them a lot of hassle and money.” Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius of Justice calls it an interesting option. She will let you know in May whether this is being done.
In the meantime, Femke continues to work on restoring confidence among farmers. “That is getting better and better. Also because I am with the ZLTO. So I can fall back on the social counselors of this organization. Farmers can always call me. I then really go to them, to listen, to refer them and to persuade them to file a report more quickly. But I’m not going to catch crooks myself.”
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At least 15 percent of farmers have been approached by criminals, and the pressure is mounting