The coalition parties D66, VVD, and CDA presented their coalition agreement Getting to Work on Friday, January 30. In the chapter Major Choices for the Netherlands, the parties identify Agriculture, Nature, and Nitrogen as one of these major choices. As a province, we see that the coalition chooses goal-oriented policy, area-based working, and nature restoration as prerequisites for permit issuance. This is precisely where provinces have an important role: we know the areas, bring interests together, and ensure coherence.
Support
These three prerequisites perfectly match the Flevoland implementation approach for Rural Areas. We read the coalition agreement as support for what we are jointly working on in Flevoland. Twenty parties from Flevoland, ranging from governments to land-managing organizations and representatives of agricultural sectors, have joined forces for a future-proof rural area where producing good food, living, working, and recreation are possible.
Getting rid of the nitrogen lock
The coalition D66, VVD, and CDA make choices and allocate budget accordingly. For example, 20 billion euros in a nitrogen fund. It is important that we as a country get rid of the nitrogen lock. This is necessary for permit issuance and the economy, but also to finally legalize PAS reporters and interimmers, thereby definitively removing the ongoing uncertainty for this group.
Commitment to food security
Flevoland has the most innovative agriculture in Europe, committed to food security through plant-based production for Northwest Europe and breeding material for the whole world. To maintain this position, production factors must be in order, and investments are needed in innovations, clean water, clean soil, and strengthening biodiversity in and outside our nature areas.
Innovative entrepreneurial spirit
The belief in craftsmanship and the innovative power of the Dutch agricultural sector expressed by the coalition parties resonates deeply with us. The Flevoland agricultural sector is known for its skilled workers and innovative entrepreneurial spirit. We have traditionally been at the forefront and are therefore pleased that this agreement offers more experimental space through Fieldlabs.
Space
Where possible, agriculture gets space - that is Flevoland! There is and remains a future for farmers in Flevoland. Especially if this cabinet supports young farmers and horticulturists to counteract aging in agriculture.
We wish the prospective Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen and prospective State Secretary Silvio Erkens much success in their new roles. From the Province of Flevoland, we will assist them with knowledge sharing where possible. Of course, we warmly invite both officials to get acquainted with our innovative, entrepreneurial agricultural sector that works with and on the most fertile soil in the Netherlands.