A striking sight on Thursday 8 August in Zedelgem (Belgium): Geert Bourgeois, Flemish Prime Minister, among the tomatoes in the greenhouse. At the invitation of the Boerenbond (Farmers Union), Bourgeois spent a day in the company of tomato grower Henk Vandevelde. "This innovative horticultural company is a forerunner in many areas."
Photo: Twitter Geert Bourgeois
At 9am Bourgeois arrived at the tomato company. Then he was allowed, among other things, to sort tomatoes. The grower also had the opportunity to discuss current issues with the Prime Minister, such as energy prices and the licensing policy of the Flemish government. Naturally, also the water shortage was discussed. Bourgeois expects such droughts to occur more frequently in the future. According to him, this must be tackled with new techniques. "The construction of large reservoirs and economical use of irrigation water, as is done at this company, is helping. But we also have to work on a structurally larger collection of water."
Photo: Twitter Geert Bourgeois
At 2pm Bourgeois’ traineeship came to a close. In the coming period, a few other politicians will complete a traineeship in agriculture and horticulture. The traineeship series is an initiative of the Boerenbond. Georges Van Keerberghen, Boerenbond: "The time that politicians themselves had relatives in the sector for background information, is over."
The Prime Minister thought it was enjoyable. On Twitter he speaks of an
'instructive day' and he thanks the grower with whom he was allowed to do his traineeship.
Sources: Boerenbond and Metro.be