EU Agriculture Ministers Call for Predictable Policies and Rules for Farmers
The latest meeting of EU agriculture ministers has highlighted the importance of predictable policies and rules for farmers, with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue voicing his support for these calls. The gathering, which took place on Monday, July 15, focused on agricultural and rural issues, with Hungary, currently holding the rotating presidency of the council, presenting its policy objectives to fellow member states.
Hungary, which assumed the presidency on July 1 and will hold it until December 31, outlined its overarching policy goals prior to taking up the role. The country formally presented the agricultural aspects of its work programme during the meeting. Additionally, the Austrian delegation shared a document with the council, backed by several member states, emphasizing the significance of European agriculture and forestry as fundamental to a competitive, sovereign, and prosperous EU.
Austrian Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig stressed the need for a shift in approach with the Green Deal, advocating for a move towards incentivizing rather than restricting, and enabling sustainable business practices. Totschnig called for a robust Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that provides farmers with essential income support, bolsters rural areas, and promotes sustainable agricultural methods. He emphasized the importance of allowing farmers to focus on practical work in the field, rather than being burdened by excessive paperwork.
Minister McConalogue echoed these sentiments, expressing agreement with many of the proposals put forth. He emphasized the necessity of a strong CAP with a budget that aligns with ambitious goals, as well as simplifying bureaucratic requirements to enhance farmers’ competitiveness. McConalogue underscored the importance of a stable and predictable policy framework, advocating for active sustainable forest management and highlighting the potential of innovation and new technologies to benefit farmers.
While supportive of most proposals, Minister McConalogue expressed reservations about proposed legislation that would ban agricultural imports to the EU, such as beef, from deforested land. He criticized the complexity and bureaucracy of the proposed law, warning that an extension may be necessary if the issues are not addressed before it is set to come into force at the year’s end.
These discussions underscore the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing European agriculture, as policymakers grapple with balancing sustainability, competitiveness, and the needs of farmers. As the EU continues to evolve its agricultural policies, the voices of ministers and stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming in the region.
Stay tuned for further developments as EU agriculture ministers navigate these complex issues and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for European agriculture.
