The Flemish government has granted a €600,000 subsidy to support farmers in planting shrubs and trees to provide shelter for their animals.
Flemish Interest MP Tom Lamont criticised the subsidy, arguing that it distracts from crucial responsibilities such as safety, education, and mobility, describing it as a wasteful “green prestige project.”
In its last cabinet meeting before the summer recess, the Flemish government, upon the proposal of Animal Welfare Minister Ben Weyts, approved the subsidy for the Regional Landscape West-Flemish Heart to implement the "AIRKOE" project.
The project aims to help farmers plant trees and shrubs to protect their animals from harsh weather conditions, which can significantly affect animal comfort.
Lamont is skeptical about the planned subsidies, particularly noting that they are not adequately linked to the project’s effectiveness. He criticised the lack of oversight regarding tree survival rates, planting quality, and achievement of intended shading objectives.
He further pointed out that similar subsidies are available at other governmental levels, such as provinces and municipalities, questioning the coordination and oversight to prevent double funding and subsidisation.
According to Lamont, this subsidy falls outside the core responsibilities of the Flemish government. He described it as “tax money wastage” and cited it as yet another example of the government’s failure to allocate its resources effectively, efficiently, and responsibly.
