Members of Parliament discover Dutch arable farming during foodtruck event in The Hague

Dutch arable farming plays an important role in national food security. Members of Parliament experienced this firsthand on Wednesday 3 December, peeling potatoes and chopping vegetables with André Hoogendijk, Director of BO Akkerbouw. All ingredients for a traditional winter meal were present, providing plenty of conversation material.

The result was a traditional stamppot, prepared with the participation of Laura Bromet (GroenLinks-PvdA), Maarten Goudzwaard (JA21), Pieter Grinwis (ChristenUnie), Renate den Hollander (VVD), Jan Arie Koorevaar (CDA), Caroline van der Plas (BBB), Anne-Marijke Podt (D66) and Lidewij de Vos (FVD). For some MPs, it was their first introduction to Dutch arable farming, for others a renewed encounter.
 

Sector emphasises cooperation and future vision

For some of the recently inaugurated Members of Parliament, it was their first encounter with Dutch arable farming, while for others, it was a renewed acquaintance. Under the motto 'Arable farming makes it happen', the Members of Parliament worked with arable products to serve a nutritious and tasty hutspot. 

André Hoogendijk, Director of BO Akkerbouw:

"We eat food from Dutch fields every day. In discussions with the Members of Parliament, we discussed the importance of a healthy and sustainable sector in the Netherlands. In the coming years, we at BO Akkerbouw (Arable Farming) look forward to working with our members and all parties in the House of Representatives on the future of Dutch arable farming."

Key topics: sustainability, soil and nitrate

The cooking sessions provided an opportunity to highlight key topics for Dutch arable farming. The sector aims to further improve sustainability in crop protection, with clear agreements in which government and sector work together for sustainable cultivation with sufficient yields.

The meeting also addressed target management. In the coming years, BO Akkerbouw, together with the government, aims to implement the Sector Approach to Nitrate , which will involve arable farming in concrete steps to reduce nitrate leaching. Other important themes for Dutch arable farming include implementation capacity, spatial planning, new supply chains, and fossil-free agriculture.

MPs prepare stamppot in the BO Akkerbouw kitchen, surrounded by fresh potatoes and vegetables

Positive responses from MPs

The MPs responded exceptionally positively. They indicated that they would strongly support Dutch arable farming in the upcoming cabinet term and further support its sustainability efforts.

Anne-Marijke Podt, Member of Parliament (D66):

"Dutch agriculture is one of the most innovative in the world. We are capable of a great deal. We have seen that over the past 75 years. I believe we can do it again."

Caroline van der Plas, Member of Parliament (BBB):

"In the coming period, we will work on preserving arable land. It is essential to maintain our food supply. The Dutch arable farming sector produces high-quality food in a sustainable way. I am proud of that."

Jan Arie Koorevaar, Member of Parliament (CDA):

"There is still much more to gain from closer cooperation between these sectors."

Stamper and macarons as souvenirs

Afterward, the members of parliament received a souvenir masher to use in their own kitchens with products from Dutch fields. They also received a flyer outlining the most important topics for arable farming and a box of macarons made with egg whites from Dutch potatoes. That's Dutch arable farming too!