Government was unreliable for farmers, says National Ombudsman

The National Ombudsman highlights the unreliability of the government for farmers over the past decade, citing inconsistent regulations and unclear decisions that have caused uncertainty. Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen emphasizes that new agricultural policies alone will not restore trust, as farmers have suffered from government actions and the uncertainty about their future. He notes that changing rules regarding nitrogen, manure, and animal welfare have delayed investments and hindered sustainability efforts. Communication issues also contribute to distrust, with important announcements often made at inconvenient times. The Ombudsman calls for long-term goals and better coordination among government plans, urging authorities to leverage farmers' knowledge in decision-making.