
Results of survey
Many farmers and gardeners in Holland are struggling with great pressure psychologically. These are the results of an internet survey conducted by the farmers’ association LTO Noord. According to the organization, 14 proc. of 300 respondents stated, that he suffers from strong anxiety. For another 33 proc. this is at at least in some degree true. Only 28 proc. respondents felt, that the impact was significant, and 25 proc. did not feel this impact.
Long unnoticed problems
Psychological problems of farmers often go unnoticed for a long time, because their job is often performed on one, a work and private life are with together closely related – said Fije Visscher, head of the division in the farmers’ association LTO Noord.
Factors stressors
LTO Noord identified four main factors stressors. The first of these are legislation and regulations, which affect 42 proc. people. Additionally 31 proc. respondents were particularly concerned about their uncertain future. 28 proc respondents as factors of psychological stress indicated high demands of the market and low recognition of the branch by the public. Also 19 proc. feel stress related to their financial situation.
The result is not surprising
For Fije Visscher, head of the department responsible for LTO Noord, the survey results are not surprising. Members of the association are faced with law changes, which induce stress, fear, anger and understanding.
According Visscher farmers are especially affected by lack of clarity resulting from the abolition of the National Development Program of Rural Areas (NPLG) and the Nutrition policy of minister agriculture Femke Wiersma.
Environmental pressure
Another problem is environmental pressure on reducing populations of human animals and declining number of approved pesticides. Loss of agricultural land due to residential construction, expansion of infrastructure and expansion of wildlife reserves and defense facilities also had strongly burdened farmers.
Today LTO Noord, in conjunction with Foundation Care for
Farmers and Market Gardeners Foundation and Southern Farmers’ Association ZLTO, supports farmers through the infoline
Taboer and the relevant website internet. According to the company, this service support is used
al
every day, a site is visited averaging 800 persons weekly.
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What is the source of most stress among farmers?
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