Minister Adema will meet with the European Commission about subsidies for farmers to become more sustainable. Recently, it was learned that payments to farmers under the CAP eco scheme were significantly lower than previously estimated. This financing program aims to encourage European farmers to invest in sustainability and biodiversity.
However, in the Netherlands, more farmers than expected benefited from the subsidy program and rates are now being adjusted downwards.
At the first meeting of the new House of Representatives, MPs were highly critical of the course of events. The full House asked whether the minister could bridge the gap.
Adema: It’s not easy
The outgoing minister sympathized with the concerns of the House of Representatives (and the affected farmers) but also said that compensating farmers would not be easy. Adema emphasized that he was surprised by how many farmers were committed to sustainability. “This is a really good result.”
He understands that farmers are very disappointed when quantities differ from what was expected. “I think it’s also bad for the credibility of the government.”
It smells best
Adema pointed out that according to the agreements made with the European Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture is not allowed to increase the amount. He described it as difficult and said he would do “his best for farmers” to get more leeway from the Commission. “If this doesn’t happen, we’ll be completely stuck.”
If the talks fail to yield results, the minister may propose further measures, but he wants to do this step by step and in consultation with farmers. Adema said he did not want to demotivate farmers who are trying to be more sustainable.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
