Dutch politician, minister, agriculturist, important wwii illegal work during german occupation; worked on behalf of prison camp victims, married once, four children. Link to Wikipedia biography
Sicco Mansholt, born on September 13, 1908, in Ulrum, Netherlands, was a prominent Dutch statesman and European political figure. He is best remembered for his long and influential tenure as the European Commissioner for Agriculture from 1958 to 1972. His work significantly shaped the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a cornerstone of the European Economic Community (EEC).
Coming from a socialist family with a background in agriculture, Mansholt pursued studies in tropical agriculture. He subsequently became a tobacco planter in Java, Indonesia, before returning to the Netherlands. In 1940, he joined the Dutch resistance against Nazi occupation. Following World War II, Mansholt served as the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Distribution from 1945 to 1958. During this period, he played a key role in the reconstruction of Dutch agriculture.
Mansholt's most enduring legacy stems from his time as European Commissioner for Agriculture. He spearheaded the development and implementation of the CAP. His vision for the CAP focused on modernizing European agriculture, ensuring food security, providing stable incomes for farmers, and promoting reasonable consumer prices. His policies led to increased productivity and agricultural output, although they also drew criticism over time for their environmental impact and potential market distortions.
After retiring as Commissioner in 1972, Mansholt remained active in public life, advocating for environmental protection and sustainable development. He became increasingly critical of industrial agriculture and its consequences, expressing concerns about its ecological footprint. His later views reflected a shift towards ecological awareness, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to agricultural practices. He passed away on June 29, 1995.
While detailed social media presence for a historical figure like Sicco Mansholt wouldn't exist, information about him can be found through various archival resources, historical databases, and academic publications. Searching for his name alongside key terms such as "CAP," "European Commission," or "Dutch agriculture" will yield relevant results. You can also explore libraries and specialized archives related to European history and agricultural policy for more in-depth materials. Documentaries and historical programs about the development of the EEC and the CAP may also feature Sicco Mansholt.
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