Young farmers protest against Flemish government unable to find agreement on nitrogen

Hundreds of young farmers from Groene Kring, the largest organization of young farmers and horticulturists in Flanders, took action against the office of Flemish Prime Minister Jan Jambon this Wednesday afternoon, 15 February. Young farmers accuse the Flemish government of playing "political games" with their future. As a symbol of a "lost generation of farmers", activists carried wooden crosses, which they placed on Jambon's front door.

At the regional level, as Jambon's government continues to seek an agreement on the nitrogen dossier and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plan, young farmers in Flanders consider they had "enough". "Political games have been played for more than a year, games that young farmers have to pay for," said Groene Kring's president Bram Van Hecke. 

He highlights that young farmers also want to become more sustainable, but ask for a future in agriculture. "Our question to the government is clear: perspective. We ask for the opportunity to open and develop a company, invest and become more sustainable."

The activists brought wooden crosses that they deposited in the cabinet. These crosses include messages such as "R.I.P. young farmer" (jonge boer, in Dutch). 

According to Van Hecke, the demonstration was apolitical. "We deliberately didn't invite any politicians. We also didn't ask for an interview with the Jambon cabinet. We're here for young farmers."

(VIV)

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