d66 nominee jaimi van essen faces tough job as incoming agriculture minister

2026-02-09 politiek

Deventer, maandag, 9 februari 2026.
Jaimi van Essen, currently alderman in Deventer, is set to become the next minister of Agriculture, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur. At just 34 years old, he steps into a turbulent political landscape shaped by the ongoing stikstofcrisis. Farmers face drastic changes, with many operations expected to disappear under upcoming reforms. Van Essen’s background in energy and sustainability stands out, though his limited direct experience in agriculture raises questions. His nomination draws sharp criticism from farming groups wary of D66’s past push to halve livestock numbers. The road ahead demands delicate negotiation between environmental goals and agricultural survival.

nomination amid tension

Jaimi van Essen, currently serving as alderman in Deventer, has been formally nominated by Democrats 66 (D66) for the position of minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature [1]. The announcement comes during a sensitive phase in national politics, marked by intense debate over nitrogen emissions and their impact on farming communities [2]. Van Essen replaces outgoing officials amidst broader cabinet reshuffling led by coalition parties D66, VVD, and CDA [3]. His appointment signals a strategic move by D66 to place a trusted figure in charge of one of the most contested portfolios in government [4].

young leader with green credentials

At age 34, Van Essen is among the youngest figures ever proposed for such a high-ranking ministry [5]. He brings extensive local governance experience, having served as alderman in both Losser (2019–2024) and Deventer since 2024 [6]. In these roles, he oversaw portfolios covering energy, sustainability, environment, and economic affairs [7]. Before entering municipal leadership, he worked as a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations [8]. This administrative and executive background forms the basis of his reputation as a capable manager of complex public files [9].

farmers voice strong opposition

The nomination has triggered immediate backlash from key farm organizations [10]. Many farmers remain deeply skeptical due to D66’s historical stance advocating a 50% reduction in livestock numbers [11]. That call, originally made by former D66 MP Tjeerd de Groot following a 2019 Council of State ruling, sparked widespread protests across rural areas [12]. Caroline van der Plas, leader of the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), voiced alarm, stating that farmers feel profoundly threatened by the prospect of a D66-led agriculture ministry [13]. She emphasized that trust must be earned through action, not rhetoric [14].

balancing act on environmental reform

Van Essen inherits a crisis-ridden file defined by legal constraints, ecological urgency, and social unrest [15]. The nitrogen crisis continues to pressure policymakers to accelerate permitting processes while meeting EU environmental standards [16]. His success may hinge on reconciling ambitious climate goals with the livelihoods of thousands of agricultural businesses facing closure [17]. According to insiders, streamlining permit issuance is already identified as a top priority [18]. Yet translating this into practice without further inflaming tensions poses a monumental challenge [19].

local support contrasts national skepticism

While national reactions remain polarized, Van Essen receives broad praise from colleagues in local government [20]. Deventer mayor Ron König described him as a talented administrator, agile in debate and convincing through expertise [21]. Colleagues note his ability to mediate disputes and deliver results even in politically charged environments [22]. His tenure in Losser included successful regional coordination on renewable energy projects, despite later provincial intervention [23]. Such hands-on problem-solving could prove valuable in navigating the fractured terrain of national food and farming policy [24].

Bronnen

D66 Jaimi van Essen