Zeeland Agriculture Criticizing New CAP

During the Haikondse Agricultural Summit on Friday, the Zeeland Department of Agriculture criticized the new General Agricultural Policy (CAP) and drew attention to a number of obstacles.

Policymakers from Europe, The Hague, Zealand and the agricultural sector discuss the future of the CAP during this annual meeting in the highland village of Zeiland. Zeeland representatives, including ZAJK, ZLTO, CZAV and Zeeland province, expressed their concerns about the new CAP coming into effect in 2023.

The first definitions of the National Strategic Plan (NSP), the Dutch contribution to the CAP, are known. But all of this is not equally favorable to the agricultural sector in Zealand. This was discussed in detail during the Haikonze Agricultural Summit. Zeeland representatives insist that they support the tax on CAP’s contribution to sustainable and flexible agriculture.

At the same time, Zeeland representatives see a number of obstacles that could lead to less entrepreneurial participation in the CAP, thus endangering social goals. They believe that the role of agriculture as a food producer should not be forgotten.

Zeland points of interest

In general, Zeeland representatives are demanding additional customization for farmers in areas including capture crops, crop rotation and buffer bands. These are the subjects where the necessary changes are predicted, and this could have major repercussions for an agricultural province like Zeeland.

In addition, the representatives of Geeland consider the need to coordinate the tasks facing agriculture, as the Seventh Action Plan on the Nitrates Order and the Water Structure Order also imposes the necessary measures and regulations in the field of agriculture. The (more intensive) use of data and monitoring would be a solution to enable further customization.

Furthermore, Zelanders believe that the general basic conditions for eligibility for income support should not be further complicated. The risk of leaving is very high and they want to support as many entrepreneurs as possible in the transition.

Ecoregeling

The new part of the NSP’s environmental program, in which farmers who make extra efforts for natural and climatic goals are rewarded in addition, Zeeland should provide interesting opportunities to participate, for example by cultivating legumes, including legumes.

The federal government proposes to shift a portion of the financial resources from pillar 1 (income support) to pillar 2 (measures for climate and nature). Zeeland representatives argue in favor of being aware of this and continuing to support entrepreneurs. They think the 30 percent exchange rate is too high.

Farmer status

Delegates believe that the position of the farmer in the chain should be given more attention. Agricultural entrepreneurs alone cannot carry out important tasks. That is why they argue that adequate government co-financing is provided by the governments concerned.

Hawke’s representatives have promised to add Zeeland’s points to the December 6 debate on the NSP.