Brussels – During their meeting on Monday, agriculture and fisheries ministers discussed the EU Commission’s new “vision” for agriculture and food. This vision aims to create a more competitive European agricultural sector with streamlined and targeted subsidies. Austria’s Minister of Agriculture, Norbert Totschnig, expressed support for these plans, emphasizing the importance of looking ahead to provide farmers with a positive outlook.
Totschnig noted that this vision is timely, particularly as it coincides with the upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), addressing the “concerns of farming family businesses.” These concerns include establishing agriculture as a robust sector where farmers can earn a decent income, ensuring equitable competitive conditions within the EU single market to meet global challenges, advancing agriculture that supports climate objectives, and securing fair working and living conditions in rural regions.
Importance of CAP in the EU budget
Totschnig stressed that the Common Agricultural Policy must maintain its significance in the upcoming multi-year EU budget, just as it has in the past. He highlighted the need to strategically position these discussions amidst the considerable challenges Europe faces. Besides direct payments, he called for a renewed emphasis on rural development, pointing out that Austria has previously benefitted significantly, particularly in supporting organic and mountain farmers.
The CAP strategy document presented in February aims to align climate protection with industry challenges. For instance, the Commission plans to “carefully examine” potential future bans on pesticides and reassess standards for imported goods. The upcoming distribution of EU agricultural subsidies will focus on providing incentives rather than imposing conditions, prioritizing farmers who are actively producing food. Agricultural funding represents a substantial portion of the EU budget, with about 365 billion euros allocated for the current funding period, which extends until 2027. The next multi-year EU budget will cover the years from 2028 for seven years.
Totschnig maintains a firm stance on Mercosur
Regarding planned tariffs, Totschnig remarked that the EU Commission has considerable experience from past dealings, particularly with US President Donald Trump. He noted that any distortions in the global agricultural market impact Austria directly and affirmed that trade agreements stabilizing markets are beneficial. However, he highlighted the contentious trade agreement with South American countries under the Mercosur framework as a “special case,” asserting a general support for free trade but also mentioning a clear National Council position opposing it. He anticipates “no change” in this regard.
German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir also welcomed the EU Commission’s vision, congratulating his Croatian counterpart, David Vlajčić, on his appointment and praising Totschnig on his reappointment. He expressed eagerness for continued cooperation with Croatia and Austria within the Council of Ministers and the European Commission. (03/24/2025)
Leave a Reply