Henk Staghouwer is responsible for the dossiers agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, food quality, animal welfare and animal health (DGF), plant breeders' rights and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. In his ambition document he expresses appreciation for Dutch agriculture, horticulture and fisheries. In recent years, Staghouwer has seen uncertainty grow about the future prospects for farmers, while nature and biodiversity have also come under increasing pressure.

As a brand new minister, he wants to contribute to restoring that balance. "I think it is important that (young) farmers, horticulturists, fishermen and their families know where they stand, with good earnings models, a stronger position and more appreciation. In this they are not alone. I see it as a clear task to make agreements with market parties (from banks, suppliers, processing industry and food providers such as retail and supermarkets) and civil society organizations. They too, not unlike every inhabitant of our country, have a responsibility in making agriculture more sustainable and restoring the balance and nature."

Staghouwer was previously a deputy in Groningen and his portfolio included agriculture.