Militant farmers’ group Farmers Defence Force (FDF) has sent bailiffs to the homes of a large number of politicians in the Dutch province of North Brabant, warning them against approving new agricultural and livestock policies.

In registered letters delivered on Thursday, the group claims politicians would be “complicit in a criminal offence” if they support the plans, which are due to be debated on Friday.

“It is intimidating,” D66 group leader Matthijs van Miltenburg told local broadcaster Omroep Brabant, one of the councillors who had a bailiff at his door.

Letters delivered by a bailiff are considered the most watertight method of delivery, as the bailiff records exactly when and to whom the letter is handed over, removing any doubt about whether or not it has been received.

The plans to be discussed include measures to limit nitrogen emissions, restrict the use of pesticides and regulate groundwater extraction, as well as changes to the licencing of livestock farms.

Threats

Earlier this month caretaker home affairs minister Frank Rijkaart condemned the growing number of threats and intimidation directed at mayors and local council officials, describing the behaviour as “horrific” and saying activists are going too far.

His response followed an appeal for support from 700 mayors and officials from the southern province of Limburg, as well as the resignation of one mayor because of the violence directed at him by anti-refugee protestors. The mayor of Venlo has also been put under police protection.