(L-R) Martin Heydon, Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Martine Hansen, Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture; Credit: MA

On Monday 27 January 2025, the European Union’s "Agriculture and Fisheries" Council convened in Brussels, under the chairmanship of the Polish Minister of Agriculture, Czesław Siekierski.

Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, outlined three key priorities for the Grand Duchy: the simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), ensuring food sovereignty and enhancing the competitiveness of Luxembourg’s agriculture.

During discussions on simplifying the CAP, Luxembourg emphasised the need to reduce the administrative burden on farmers. Minister Hansen highlighted that current regulatory requirements hinder the efficiency of the agricultural sector and divert administrative resources from their primary role of supporting farmers. The minister called for a revision of control procedures and greater flexibility in the application of CAP measures to ensure more effective implementation tailored to on-the-ground realities.

In parallel, Luxembourg raised the issue of import tolerances for residues of plant protection products during the meeting. Supported by Austria, Bulgaria, Spain, France, Lithuania and Slovenia, the Luxembourg delegation advocated for the abolition of current tolerances for substances banned within the EU, emphasising the importance of a consistent approach to food safety and adherence to environmental standards. Minister Hansen reiterated that European food sovereignty is a key objective that can only be achieved by enhancing the competitiveness of local farmers.

“If a substance is deemed harmful to health and banned in the EU, it is imperative to no longer tolerate its presence as residues on imported products. For me, this is about a coherent policy that aims to protect consumers and preserve our agriculture,” stated Minister Hansen.

In addition to these priorities, Minister Hansen addressed topics such as the need for greater flexibility in the green architecture of the CAP, strengthening farmers' position within the food supply chain, and reducing administrative burdens for organic producers and operators in the agri-food sector.