Besides a clear perspective, farmers simply need to be able to earn enough money. Possible measures, such as reducing livestock and less intensive agriculture, also yield less. “You cannot assume that farmers will extensify themselves or contribute to biodiversity that benefits everyone except the farmer himself,” says Runhaar. Reward systems are needed for this so that a farmer earns money from the ‘extra services’. Consider, for example, the storage of greenhouse gases in the soil, the contribution to clean drinking water and the contribution to biodiversity. “There are also switching costs, which also requires funds.”
The farmer does not change without a clear perspective and independent advice
