Belgium, Flanders, Farmers protest as government promises continued support.

Farmers protest as government promises continued support

by Alan Hope,

 

Summary

Farmers say they’re satisfied with yesterday’s protest against low milk and pork prices, and unions are now ready to talk with the federal agriculture minister in the hope of fixing a price that covers their costs and labour

Blockades across Flanders

The independent farmers union ABS said it was satisfied with the results of yesterday’s day of action in protest at the low prices farmers receive for milk and pig meat. “The actions went well, and are slowly coming to an end,” said union chairman Hendrik Vandamme.

 

 

“At certain locations the protesters occupied the motorway, because they wanted to do more than simply hand out leaflets, but the disruption was limited thanks to co-operation from the federal traffic police.”

The union said it was now ready to talk with federal agriculture minister Willy Borsus, and planned no further action for the moment. “We want to give talks a chance,” Vandamme said. During yesterday’s action, the two main unions, ABS and Boerenbond, met with smaller organisations to form a common Agrofront.

“The agricultural organisations have worked together to analyse the extremely difficult situation faced by the various sectors of agriculture and horticulture in the country,” the Agrofront said in a statement. “We share a great concern over the profitability and even the survival of family farms in the short and longer term.” The group delivered a package of shared demands to Borsus. “The aim remains the fixing of a price that covers costs and labour,” they said.

Actions carried out included blockades in Ypres (pictured), Sint-Niklaas, Aalst, Ternat and Eke near Ghent, at a distribution centre for Aldi in Erpe-Mere, and on approach roads to the E40 near Erpe-Mere – the last blockade to be lifted, at around 20.30. The most serious disruption came from a complete block of the E40 at Middelkerke at the coast over more than two hours.

Meanwhile, Flemish minister for agriculture Joke Schauvliege announced a package of measures to help support farmers while the Russian boycott of agricultural products continues into its second year. The boycott has caused a fall in exports, leading to surplus production at home and pressure on prices. The measures include €3 million in emergency support for meat producers, as well as a contribution for dairy farmers and a programme to promote Flemish dairy produce in Asia. Schauvliege said she would put further aid measures to her colleagues after the summer recess.

Photo by Sandro Delaere / Belga