Frisian dairy farmer Hans Kroodsma, who runs an organic dairy farm with 130 cows and 60 young cattle in Jannum, is still undecided on who to vote for in the upcoming elections, as he awaits clear choices from the next cabinet regarding the future of agriculture. He emphasizes the need for decisive action on manure and nitrogen issues that have persisted for four decades.

Kroodsma, who also sells his own cheese and ice cream, has been grappling with legal challenges stemming from changes in nitrogen regulations. Despite transitioning to organic farming and reducing his herd size, his legal woes remain unresolved, leaving him dependent on solutions from The Hague.

He had initially expanded his operations in 2015 under the Nitrogen Approach Program (PAS), only to find himself in violation of the law after the Council of State overturned the legislation.

While Kroodsma expresses a degree of resignation, he maintains an optimistic outlook. He envisions alternative land use plans, including a food forest and space for meadow birds, but these plans have been stalled since the nitrogen fund was scrapped.

He acknowledges the merit in targeted management approaches, where farms receive individual emission ceilings. Kroodsma notes that his organic farming practices demonstrably produce less nitrogen.

Regarding his voting preference, Kroodsma remains open-minded. While he considered voting for NSC in the past, he is also considering CDA, finding their renewed realism appealing. He seeks a balance between idealism and practicality in the next government’s approach to agriculture.