Speeches

Mr President, I am in favour of a Europe that gives its citizens and businesses security of life. Unfortunately, this security of livelihood has not been self-evident in the livestock sector for years. Farmers, also progressive, have to deal with enormous uncertainty. Every year new rules are added and farmers in the Member States, including the Netherlands, are struggling with the question whether their company will still exist in a few years. Policy development for new developments such as Renure is taking too long. In this geopolitically unstable time, it is more important than ever for our inhabitants that our food supply is maintained, that farms continue from generation to generation. Sustainability also requires economic sustainability. Businesses can only survive if there is a revenue model. Regulation must be realistic, achievable and affordable. That is why I call here for a stable EU policy for the livestock sector, a policy that ensures that investments in sustainability and innovation can be recouped.