Did he lose the balance between farmers and government?
Sjaak van der Tak is currently the head of the largest farmers’ lobby in the country. He announced the end of his presidency this week. Since 2021, he has been the leader of the Agriculture and Horticulture Organization, which represents more than 35,000 agricultural entrepreneurs. In his almost three years as chairman, he was involved in the negotiations on an agricultural agreement. He balances between the protesting farmers and the strict government.
It is not a job for the faint of heart, especially in these turbulent times. Earlier during his period as foreman, he posted on X: “Seen images of rioting farmers at the home of Minister Van der Wal. That’s really not possible, I strongly distance myself from that! Many are desperate and desperate, but if demonstrating as a fundamental right is appropriate and dignified, you will gain support in society for #farmer’s perspective.”
The intermediate position amid the conflicting interests surrounding nitrogen policy may have been too much for him. It A.D and agricultural magazine New harvest reported last year that radical farmers appeared unannounced in front of the chairman’s house. “This does not belong on private property where housemates or family members can become involved,” said van der Tak. He understands the frustration, but emphatically distances himself from ‘menacing farmers’.
In his career he has often experienced great pressure, so he is used to something. He didn’t seem to be intimidated. With his experience as an alderman and councilor in Rotterdam, during the period when Pim Fortuyn was murdered, and then as mayor of the municipality of Westland, he grew an elephant skin.
Van der Tak has been a member of the CDA since 1981. For a moment it seemed as if he wanted to take a side trip to the New Social Contract of former CDA member Omtzigt, but he still remained loyal to the CDA.
He prefers to keep everything together. LTO represents eighteen different sectors, from flower bulbs to dairy farming and poultry. Wim Bens (chairman of ZLTO) speaks of its unifying qualities: “And it stands like a block.”
Then why does he stop?
The CDA politician is now 67 years old. In a declaration he indicates that the job requires 100 percent effort, “but it also placed a great burden on myself and on my family.”
As a real family man, he wants to spend more time at home. He now has more than eight grandchildren.
Van der Tak did not want to sign for another three years, and moreover, “a lot will change in politics in The Hague in the coming months. It is better, even of obvious importance, if a new chairman can experience this from the start,” says Van der Tak in the statement.
Perhaps this is indeed a good age to retire, but it is also possible that Van der Tak will remain partially involved, on a quieter basis.
How does LTO Netherlands resolve his departure?
Dirk Bruins will become the temporary chairman of LTO Netherlands from January 1. He is currently chairman of LTO-Noord. In an interview with RTV Drenthe, Bruins says that he has no ambition to become chairman permanently. He also wants to have time for his family and for his dairy farm in Dwingeloo, Drenthe. This does not go together with the many consultations in The Hague.