This Is How Politics Support the Ministry of Food

Half of the farmers are too poor, and some are too fat, so it is high time for a Ministry of Food’. This was mentioned by Tjeerd de Groot (D66) during the New Year’s debate. With nearly all candidate lists and election programs already accessible, it’s time to assess how political parties view an integrated food policy.

In most election programs there is now growing attention for the need for a food policy, but the interpretation usually remains too abstract. During the debate, five of the seven parties indicated that they were in favor of a new Ministry of Food, followed by a large majority of the public. A majority of the parties believe that politicians should opt for the ambition to make the agri-food sector climate neutral and circular within 10 years. The government will then have to invest billions to make this possible, just as with the energy transition.

The enormous interest  demonstrates that this topic is alive in society. Representatives from ministries, business, and politics were all over some of the media. Almost every political manifesto mentions food, showing the public’s rising interest in politics.

Healthy food

You should reset your gut health because healthy food has proven to be a controversial issue. The politicians agreed that the first step should be for people to understand what is healthy food and what is not. They differ on how the government should play a role in this. It advocated compulsory food education, labeling or a so-called traffic light system. People were unanimous about the fact that something must be done in the area of ​​awareness and simplification of choices. It was striking that almost all parties agreed with the statement that only healthy products should be offered in public spaces. It was felt that the government should finally set a good example, especially in school buildings where vulnerable children have to make choices about their health. This also applies to the kitchen of the House of Representatives.

Sustainable food

Everyone agrees that such a blip on the horizon is needed, and that doing so would make the company one of the most competitive in the world. Ten years seems ambitious, and it is, but Martin Scholten of Wageningen UR believes it is both realistic and necessary. According to politicians, the government must spend billions to help with the transition. As if the situation for the current transition to sustainable energy.

Ministry of Food

A majority of the politicians supported a Ministry of Food in the next cabinet. Five of the seven politicians agreed wholeheartedly, followed by at least three-quarters of the audience. The discussion focused mainly on the question of whether this ministry should be combined with the environment and / or climate. According to the politicians, food will be one of the most important major themes of the near future and this therefore requires the attention of a responsible policy person in the form of a Minister of Food.