A decision about this centralization and distribution, which will soon come into effect, a decision was made only after an agreement was reached with the German authorities on the quantities to be exported, ensuring that one knew which fraction is designated for export and which remaining quantities are available for the own food supply. The system of exporting a certain percentage of the quantity supplied per auction has thus become obsolete. Therefore, a larger quantity brought to the auction does not automatically lead to more exports. The quantities intended for domestic use are such that, if both the producer, the auction, the trade, and the consumer are willing to cooperate, a somewhat bearable provision of vegetables and fruit in the country can be achieved.
Not too high expectations.
However, one should not have overly high expectations of this centralization, especially not when considering the continuously decreasing harvest of horticultural products due to a lack of fertilizers and workforce, while, on the other hand, there is an ever-increasing need for these products among consumers. The transportation problem should also not be underestimated. Illegal trade and the resulting clandestine export must be made impossible in the future. Regarding the provision of [various types of] fruit, this will not be as desired, especially also because of the 30,000,000 kg of fruit required annually for the national jam needs. – 12-8-44
Whether it’s sugar peas, beans, beets,
It leaves, and nothing remains here,
Netherlands may be left without,
The eastern neighbour takes it all.
Whether it‘s leek or spinach,
Or tomato or purslane,
Everything, everything the Nazi takes,
This thought hurts me.
Everything goes to far German places,
Everything is taken by the Third Reich,
Whether escarole, cauliflower, peas,
It all remains the same.
Rhinelanders, Mirabelles,
Apples and Jutte pear,
The Netherlands must do without
And this fact saddens us,
Westland‘s delicate grapes
Are welcome warloot,
The Netherlands may gnaw on sticks
And today are without fruit.
Biting the sour apple,
Is the only thing allowed,
But no complaining and blaming,
Because very soon comes the day
When the Dutch sources
Are exhausted for the Kraut,
That he stands alone without his cannons
And also without vegetables.
Our hope is being fulfilled
And then a new waltz is played
And the apple we peel
Is not sweet and is not tender.
Post-Editing: Simone Bloch, Gerhard Funke, Nannie Braunstein-Beekman
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