The Flemish government concluded an agreement with agricultural companies on Thursday evening. The Flemish Prime Minister Jan Jambon has this confirmed via X. He speaks of “an ambitious and future-oriented agreement with respect for nature” that “meets the justified aspirations of Flemish farmers.”
According to Belgian media, it has been agreed that the Flemish government will no longer purchase agricultural land until October 1, with the exception of flood areas and protected nature areas. A working group will also be set up to discuss the use of agricultural land with all sectors involved. In addition, a ban on fertilization will not be enforced for the time being and the administrative burden for farmers will be reduced.
Jambon calls on demonstrating farmers to stop their “actions that disrupt our economy.” Earlier this week, a group of around five hundred farmers blocked access to the port of Antwerp. One of the demands of campaigning farmers was to protect agricultural land. Boerenbond CEO Lode Ceyssens is positive about the agreement, but says to VRT News that this is only the beginning of new negotiations.