A proposed expansion by the Defense Department is causing significant concern among farmers in Laaghalerveen, as it threatens too seize valuable agricultural land. The plan, which encompasses 300 hectares, including 261 hectares of farmland, has sparked outrage and disbelief within the community.

The Impact on Family Farms

Geert Martens, a local dairy farmer, is among those facing potential land loss. Although Defense has not yet contacted his family, their property is marked on the map designating the new training ground.Martens expressed his initial reaction: When the card was released, I was really shocked.

The proposed seizure of 13 hectares, while seemingly small in the context of the total 85-hectare farm, represents a critical profit margin for the Martens family. We have a land -bound dairy farm. That has a major impact on us. That 13 hectare is just crucial for our income. You can’t miss that, Martens explained. The situation is further elaborate by the impending transfer of the farm to his daughter, Maryse. Maryse stated firmly, If they come to talk about our ground later, they will not get any coffee.

community-Wide Disbelief and Fear

Martens is not alone in his dismay.He estimates that eight farmers will be forced to surrender land, some losing significant portions of their property. One farmer, while allowed to retain their company, stands to lose all of their farmland. Martens emphasized the scale of the proposed land grab: The spatial claim that defense places here is huge.

Martens expressed his bewilderment at the decision made by State Secretary Gijs Tuinman (BBB): I don’t get it. It truly seems as if Defense is being used for the construction of buffer zones for nature. This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the expansion may serve purposes beyond military training.

Past Conflicts and Future Uncertainty

The community is already feeling the strain. Martens’ phone is red -hot. Family members want to know how things are going and the neighborhood-whatsapp of the Laaghalerveen area has also exploded. This heightened anxiety is compounded by Martens’ fear of social fragmentation, recalling a previous land exchange with defense thirty years ago. The last time all social structures were a little bit broken. Now everyone has found their way again and Defense is throwing a stone in the pond again.

Despite the uncertainty, Martens remains committed to unity and collaboration. We will have to count our knots and continue together.We also have to hold on to each other right now. The possibility of a soil exchange has been mentioned, suggesting a potential avenue for negotiation.