A group of farmers who already work sustainably will present the Green Farmers Plan on Wednesday with recommendations that will also offer their colleagues perspective, reports Fidelity†
In order to offer farmers a good future, the government, supermarkets and banks must start working in a different way, according to the 2,500 farmers behind the plan.
For example, farmers who work sustainably should receive a higher price for their products. This can be done, for example, by adjusting the VAT rates, which increases the profit margin for organic farmers.
The plan also advises companies not to keep more animals than there is land available for their own feed and spreading the manure. “Close the loop”, the recommendations read.
“Farmers can earn a good income with less nitrogen and without fertilizers. That is also possible for others,” says dairy farmer Arie van den Berg in Fidelity†
The plan proposes a simultaneous approach to various problems such as nitrogen, climate and water climate. That is “useful”, says Imke de Boer, professor of animals and sustainable food systems.
The farmers will present the Green Farmers Plan on Wednesday to Ministers Henk Staghouwer of Agriculture and Christianne van der Wal of Nature and Nitrogen.