Arson Duck Slaughterhouse Ermelo is not an isolated case

The arson at the duck slaughterhouse in Ermelo on the night of 27 to 28 May is awful and is not an isolated incident. Years of unsubstantiated statements and framing about agriculture by NGOs, politicians, the government and the media have created a climate in which extremists occupy stables, intimidate people, break into houses and now start fires. The sector is concerned about these developments.

Imposing its own convictions 

NVP: "We live in a free world. If someone does not want to consume meat or other animal products, that is his/her right. However, it is going to pinch and rub if this group of 'vegans' wants to impose its conviction on the rest of the population. The fact that all kinds of social problems, often without proper justification, are put on the farmers' plates is grist to their mill. Unfortunately, the government and other institutions offer room for this. This provides a dangerous breeding ground for extreme behaviour. Strengthened by statements from NGOs, politics, the government and the media, activists seem increasingly convinced that their goal justifies all means."

The government can no longer look away 

To date, the government has dutifully expressed its disapproval of illegal acts by extremists. It is dismissed as an incident. Then they look away, wash their hands and proceed to the order of the day. This is no longer possible; the government must (h)acknowledge its own role and responsibility in this development. The tone of the debate must be moderated, the criminalization and demonization of our farmers must stop and the government must take tough action against lawbreakers. How in God's name is it possible that we have reached this point, while the farmers work hard every day for our food? What's more, they do it in a way that leads the world in the use of raw materials, animal welfare, food safety and sustainability. It is time for the government to stop looking away from threats to livestock farmers and people working in the animal food chains and to take action. Also against defamation, slander and the creation of a dangerous climate, first and foremost by taking a critical look at its own attitude and statements.

www.nvpluimveehouders.nl