EU Commissioner, Luxembourg Farmers Discuss Future of Agriculture

Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture has reported that Christophe Hansen, the new European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, met with representatives of the Chamber of Agriculture at the ministry, in the presence of Minister Martine Hansen, on Monday 13 January 2025.

According to the ministry, this visit allowed for "an open and constructive discussion on the future of the agricultural sector".

The chamber and ministry representatives took the opportunity to present their opinion on the report on the European strategic dialogue, following on from the discussions initiated at the second "Landwirtschaftsdësch" in December 2024. The discussions focused on the main points of the report, the coherence between agricultural and environmental policies, as well as the measures needed to support the competitiveness of Luxembourg farms while respecting sustainability objectives.

The meeting also addressed the current challenges facing farmers, such as increasing environmental requirements and the issue of generational renewal in the sector.

Martine Hansen, Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, insisted on the need to maintain food production and food sovereignty as central objectives of the future common agricultural policy (CAP). She also stressed the importance of real and achievable administrative simplification for farms, while advocating for measures adapted to regional specificities. The minister also reiterated the need to preserve land of high agricultural value and to recognise the systemic importance of the agricultural and food sector.

Christian Hahn, President of the Chamber of Agriculture, highlighted the expectations of Luxembourg farmers in terms of competitiveness and profitability. He recalled that sustainable development must be based in a balanced way on its three fundamental pillars: economic, ecological and social. He also insisted on the need for pragmatic and adapted policies, while stressing the importance of better remuneration and long-term perspectives to attract younger generations.

During this exchange, Christophe Hansen recalled the importance of dialogue, predictability and transparency in European agricultural policies, stressing that these principles would guide his actions throughout his term of office. The EU Commissioner also discussed the major steps to come regarding his "Vision for Agriculture and Food", which will be presented during the first 100 days of his term. This vision will then be broken down into several strategies throughout the year, in particular on generational renewal.

Minister Hansen and the representatives of the Chamber of Agriculture were said to have appreciated the opportunity to exchange directly with the new EU Commissioner on the challenges of the sector. They were reportedly "delighted that a Luxembourger with a good knowledge of agricultural realities now occupies this important position". The ministry added that they were "convinced of his ability to drive constructive change" and hoped that "his initiatives will contribute to perpetuating European agriculture and ensuring its long-term sustainability".