Policy on mega-factory farms has to change and the government must make clear how livestock farming can be made more sustainable, according to a report presented to junior economic affairs minister Henk Bleeker on Friday.

The report was written by former Labour politician Hans Alders who has spent months talking to livestock farmers, their neighbours, scientists and council members.
Alders says there are several points where factory farming can be improved, including public health and creating more natural living space for the animals. But he recognised that shifting priorities from ‘quantity to quality’ will cause problems for livestock owners because of their tight margins.
Environmental organisation Natuur & Milieu told nu.nl Bleker must now get on with sorting out the problems. ‘The question is: does he have the political courage for this.’
Marianne Thieme, leader of animal welfare party PvdD, commented that Alders is trying to make mega-factory farms acceptable by referring to the subject as ‘durable livestock farms’.