Mixed reactions among farmers after arson on A7: LTO rejects dangerous actions

In the night from Wednesday to Thursday, hay bales and tires were dumped near Lambertschaag and then set on fire. The highway was temporarily closed in both directions. While cleaning up the fire, the fire service also found asbestos.

Everything has now been cleared and the road is passable again. LTO chairman Trude Buysman: “I understand that there is a lot of emotion and uncertainty within the agricultural sector. But it cannot be the case that the actions endanger people. Whether this reduces support for farmers? There is a chance. “

René Staal, often spokesperson for farmers’ campaigns from West Friesland, takes a different position. “I would have preferred it differently, but something like this was coming. Apparently this is necessary, because otherwise we will not be taken seriously. The cabinet has talked a lot, but there is no movement. Of course it is annoying when people hours in traffic, but if the plans are carried out, they will queue for an hour in front of the soup kitchen by 2030. To get food. If there is no movement from politics, I suspect the protests will get even worse .”

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Opportunity for every farmer

As foreman of the Land and Horticulture Organization, Buysman was still in Nibbixwoud on Wednesday evening, where the LTO held an evening. The nitrogen problem was central. “More than 100 farmers were present, both members and non-members of the LTO. We tried to make clear what task we face and what we want to do about it. We also reiterated that we are committed to ensuring that every farmer should be able to continue to exist. Everyone should be given a chance.”

Dumping and setting fire to waste is certainly not part of the tactics of the LTO. “Engage in conversation with people around you,” says Buysman. “Explain what is going on and why we are campaigning. Then there will be more understanding of the situation much faster. And if there are wild actions in the pipeline: let us know. Then we can talk about it.”

distress signal

The LTO demands attention through so-called soft actions. Recently a group of farmers protested at West Frisian town halls. In addition, people are called upon to place banners, wear red handkerchiefs and hang Dutch flags upside down. “If that happened in the fishing industry in the past, it meant there was a need. We are in need now too.”

In September, the LTO will talk to the West Frisian municipalities to zoom in on the nitrogen problem per municipality. “They have an influence on national policy at the provincial and provincial level. It makes no sense to put your heels in the sand.”