LLTB starts Limburg movement toward nature-inclusive agriculture

The LLTB has kicked off the movement towards nature inclusive agriculture in Limburg. The driving forces behind this movement are Limburg farmers and horticulturists, supported by the LLTB.

"Nature inclusive agriculture is an important part in the cycle idea of agriculture minister Schouten and will play a major role at farm level in the coming years," predicts LLTB president Léon Faassen. "The LLTB sees opportunities and wants to start a positive movement together with members."

As well as society, farmers and horticulturists also want more attention to soil, water, biodiversity and nature, according to LLTB chairman Faassen. "Not as separate components, but as a whole. An integrated approach, in other words. All this should lead to more appreciation for the supplier of valuable products, guardian of the landscape and a better earnings model." Faassen says that being a farmer is a way of life, but that a fair income is essential. "Practical and economic fit-in are therefore two important preconditions for making the move towards nature-inclusive agriculture in Limburg. All signals are green. Together with our members the LLTB is going for it."

Projects

The approach is that through projects a movement is started in which the goal is that nature inclusiveness is integrated into the entire business. "We know that the topic is alive and well in society and among some of our members," Faassen said. "We notice how much positive energy is released around this topic. The LLTB would like to facilitate and encourage the movement. Even now farmers and horticulturalists are paying attention to nature. However, this is not always visible enough or - partly due to conflicting regulations - does not fit well into their business operations. We are going to change that and strengthen it, because that is important for how people see the agricultural sector."

Movement

René Schepers, founder of Wakker Boer, was moderator of the kick-off meeting. In the first part of the kick-off there was a lot of room for members to think along about how to achieve nature-inclusive agriculture. After that there were several short pitches by, among others, Alex Datema (active dairy farmer and chairman of BoerenNatuur), Ruud van Dijck (pig farmer from Oirlo) and Yannick Smedts (smart farming specialist at tree nursery Fleuren). Commissioner Hubert Mackus closed the kick-off meeting.

Source: LLTB