There have been some announcements over the last few months regarding changes to Dutch agriculture. These are not only important to people living in the Netherlands, but all over the world, since The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter by value in the world, after the United States.
The goals of these changes have partly been to transition for agriculture based on as high production as possible, to more sustainable methods with fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less impact on the environment. The need to increase farmers’ income is also being addressed.
The politics of these types of changes is they often start in The Netherlands, then get adapted into EU legislation. After this, they often require countries exporting to the EU to comply with the same regulations, so the changes propagate around the world via EU trade agreements. On the surface these changes seem very positive, so this might be a very good thing.
Environmental Changes
Money is being made available to farmers who work in sensitive areas to take care of their own environments. Money is also being made available to experiment with more sustainable methods. In addition, the number of pigs in the country is being reduced.
More Money for Farmers
Of course the emphasis on farmers earning more money is being placed on consumers being willing to pay more. This is of course true, but there are many other aspects. In addition to possible higher prices for consumers:
- There should be reasonable direct subsidies available to farmers paid for by higher taxes on wealthy individuals.
- Subsidies for wealthier farmers should be capped.
- There should be fewer taxes on the consumer.
- Farmers should have complete sovereignty over their seeds. They should have no administrative burden. They should be free to choose any seeds they want. Unless they purchase commercial seeds and come to an agreement with the breeder or seller, there should be no royalty payments or restriction on their use, including saving, breeding and regrowing the seed.
- Farmers should be free from unreasonable regulations and inspections.
- Farmers should provide more quality, artisan made products, with a high regard for nature and biodiversity.
- There should be more opportunities for the consumer to purchase directly from the farmer, or through less formal channels like street markets.
- There should be more emphasis on local, regional and seasonal products.
If we have these things, I think many consumers would consider paying more for what they buy.
