This is what Limburg says about agriculture vision minister Schouten

Minister Carola Schouten (LNV) presented her new agricultural vision: Valuable and connected, last Saturday. In it she praises the Dutch innovative strength, but also states that much still needs to change for a sustainable sector. Soil exhaustion, loss of biodiversity and global warming are forcing agriculture to tighten the reins and use our raw materials more sparingly. In this light, Schouten argues for circular agriculture, and Limburg is ready for it.

By 2030 it must be done, the complete switch to circular agriculture. Whereas the pressure on farmers is now increasing due to the reduction of the cost price, we must move towards a continuous reduction of the consumption of raw materials. Schouten's research into this agricultural vision leads to the conclusion that this transition is possible. To achieve this, the Netherlands must become a leader in closed-loop agriculture.

Priorities
Three of the main ambitions within this vision for agriculture are 1) to secure the economic position of farmers, horticulturalists and fishermen so that they can innovate within a healthy business, 2) the general appreciation for food must grow, whereby food waste is out of the question and 3) the Netherlands must maintain its prominent role worldwide in the innovation of production methods, so that it can become a model in the field of circular agriculture.


Limburg's reactions positive and unanimous
"The minister sets the bar high for the future, stimulates and challenges farmers and market gardeners, but at the same time is realistic in the time needed to implement this vision," said LTO Nederland. 'We do it for the next generation' is what motivates many farmers and horticulturists.

In Limburg the reactions are also predominantly positive.

Commissioner Hubert Mackus: "If the Netherlands wants to become a leader in the field of circular agriculture, then Limburg must become a leader within the Netherlands. With predominantly small-scale and broad-based agriculture in South Limburg and large-scale and sustainable agriculture in Central and North Limburg, there is already enormous diversity. With a hothouse of knowledge and innovative ideas and start-ups in the field of circular agriculture, with Venlo as epicenter, the aim is a frontrunner position. Research, knowledge and practice all come together in our province."

Saskia Goetgeluk, director at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, also sees that the agricultural vision fits with the ambitions of many farmers and market gardeners. "Demand-driven research and innovation from the entrepreneurs is leading for the campus. Our three main themes, focused on Tomorrow's food, on the campus are: healthy and safe food, future farming and biocircular economy. From this strategy, Schouten's vision can be seen as good support for a further, more concrete interpretation of innovation policy."

LLTB chairman Léon Faassen also wants to see concrete policy: "Great, now we have to take the next step together and translate these fine words into feasible policy. Such a policy should also include an appropriate income for farmers and market gardeners. The regulations must also be more tailored. Think, for example, of the possibilities for processing manure as a substitute for artificial fertilizer. More recycling offers opportunities, certainly in combination with innovative solutions, in which the agro sector is a master.