Stop Big Agro, part of XR Agriculture, is organising a protest against Yara’s fertiliser production
Provincial Government Building, Abdijplein, Middelburg, 27 March 2026 – 12:00
The action group Stop Big Agro, part of XR Agriculture, will hold a demonstration together with ASEED on Friday 27 March from 12:30 pm on Abdijplein in front of the Provincial Government Building. This demonstration is part of a series of actions through which Stop Big Agro aims to put an end to exploitation in agriculture by large and powerful agro-industrial companies. The action on 27 March focuses on the province’s role in supporting Yara’s fertiliser production. During the gathering, three specific demands will be presented to Provincial Executive Member Wilfried Nielen.
Spokesperson Melle: “Fertiliser is bad for the climate and for all life on earth. Its production requires enormous quantities of natural gas, and its use acts as a silent killer for soil life and food quality, which ultimately harms our own health. Large companies such as Yara and their lobbying networks perpetuate the current agricultural system, at the expense of the planet.”
According to the campaign group, the narrative that artificial fertiliser feeds the world is a myth that needs to be debunked. 70% of the world’s population is fed by farmers who primarily use natural nitrogen fixers, organic manure, plant diversity and careful soil management. “These are often smaller farmers, whose methods offer a viable and sustainable alternative to large-scale, chemical-based agriculture,” says Stop Big Agro.
Three demands to the provincial authorities:
- Stop subsidy and tax breaks for Yara
- Invest in and subsidise agro-ecological farmers who work with nature rather than against it.
- Enforce existing permits and revoke environmental licences where necessary
The protest will begin at 12:00 with a short march from the station to Abdijplein. This will be followed by a programme featuring speeches by, among others, farmer Mees Visser (organic farmer) and Marijn van der Plas (Compassion in World Farming). The demands will also be presented to Provincial Executive Member Wilfried Nielen. The demonstration will be enlivened by performances and musical accompaniment.
The demonstration is open to anyone who wishes to campaign for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.