Following agricultural protests in France, Germany, and Wallonia, Flanders braces for similar actions in the forthcoming days.
The General Farmers’ Union (ABS) is set to stage a protest at Sint-Truiden’s football stadium as early as Sunday, while the Farmers’ Federation will take to the streets from Tuesday onwards.
ABS’s action at Stayen, Sint-Truiden’s stadium, is meant to commence Sunday at 12:30, according to ABS’s policy officer Mark Wulfrancke.
One hour later, a match against Racing Genk is set to kick-off at the same stadium. Wulfrancke discloses no further details about the action but ensures it is conducted in collaboration with the local police and is not intended to harm or disrupt citizens.
More targeted actions are planned throughout next week by the ABS to raise public awareness. So far, no additional information has been provided on these actions.
The Farmers’ Federation also plans to make its voice heard. Its first demonstration will take place in the Antwerp province on Tuesday, with follow-up local actions set to ensue. Again, no additional information is offered at this time, but aggressive or extreme actions are not intended, emphasises spokesperson Elisabeth Mertens. Clarifications are likely to come on Monday.
Both farming organisations stress the prevailing readiness amongst the farming community to take action.
Farmers’ grievances revolve around declining incomes, administrative complexities, changes in stringent regulations, and in Flanders, dissatisfaction over the nitrogen policy.
