Peasant protests in The Hague in October 2019.Photo: Molly Quell
Farm Minister Genk Staghower canceled his visit to the Renswoude farm near Utrecht after a threat to his hosting farmer.
Farmers, like Staghouwer, a member of the Christian Union Christen Unie, were to meet with the minister to discuss the government’s plans to combat nitrogen pollution, which is having a major impact on the sector.
However, the peasant has been sent so many threatening texts about his visit that he is said to be afraid of the safety of himself and the minister.
Leader Gert-Jan Segers and another MP will visit the farm instead. They don’t have to face government policy.
Last Friday, a group of angry peasants appeared at the home of the Minister of Nature, Christianne van der Wol, who refused to leave until she told them the children were “shaking” inside.
The government is bound by a 2019 state legislature ruling to reduce nitrogen pollution in order to comply with European rules for the protection of vulnerable habitats known as the Natura 2000 region.
The plan gives 12 states a year to devise measures to achieve specific regional goals by 2030, which varies from 12% to 70% in the most vulnerable areas. Ministers have already said that farm closures are inevitable.
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