A Personal and Professional Commitment to Agriculture
In a compelling speech delivered at one of Europe’s most prominent agricultural and food policy forums, Commissioner Christophe Hansen conveyed his unwavering dedication to transforming the future of European agriculture. Drawing inspiration from his own farming background in northern Luxembourg, Hansen underscored how his upbringing has shaped his mission to empower farmers, strengthen rural communities, and ensure a secure food supply for the European Union (EU) in the years ahead.
A Collaborative Vision for Agricultural Policy
Addressing an audience that included farmers, industry leaders, NGOs, consumers, and policymakers, Hansen passionately advocated for a cooperative approach to agricultural reform. “For me,” he remarked, “there is no better way to start my second week than here with you at the biggest event for agriculture and food in Europe.” His message emphasized inclusivity and teamwork as the foundation for tackling challenges and advancing the agricultural sector.
Key Challenges Facing European Agriculture
Hansen outlined several pressing issues currently confronting the agricultural sector, each requiring urgent attention:
– Aging Farming Population: Only 12% of EU farmers are under 40, with the average age being 57. Additionally, women make up just 3% of the farming workforce. These statistics highlight the necessity for targeted initiatives to attract a younger, more diverse generation of farmers.
– Economic Pressures: Declining farm numbers, economic disparities, and extensive bureaucratic demands make farming a high-stress, high-risk occupation, discouraging potential entrants to the field.
– Environmental and Global Strains: Climate change, biodiversity loss, and geopolitical tensions are placing unprecedented pressure on European agriculture. Farmers are being called upon to innovate and adapt in the face of these growing challenges.
Despite these hurdles, Hansen expressed deep admiration for the resilience of European farmers, urging collective efforts to overcome obstacles while seizing new opportunities.
Hansen’s Vision for European Agriculture
Commissioner Hansen presented an ambitious roadmap to create a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector. His vision centers on four primary objectives:
1. Attracting Young Farmers and Addressing Demographic Shifts
Hansen stressed the urgency of drawing younger generations into agriculture. This includes providing access to essential resources such as fertile land, technology, and capital, as well as improving rural infrastructure, like broadband internet. He highlighted the need to foster family farming and ensure rural regions offer the same opportunities as urban areas. “Without creating the right conditions, we risk losing the next generation of farmers,” he warned.
2. Simplifying Regulations
To ease the administrative burdens on small-scale farmers, Hansen announced a 2025 simplification package as part of broader reforms expected by 2027. This initiative aims to streamline compliance processes, particularly for farms under 10 hectares, making agricultural work more accessible and manageable.
3. Ensuring Fair Compensation and Value in the Supply Chain
Hansen called for reforms to improve farmers’ bargaining power and ensure fair treatment in the food supply chain. He advocated for measures that correct imbalances between farmers and retailers, as well as support for producer organizations to strengthen farmers’ negotiating positions.
4. Promoting Innovation and Sustainability
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of bridging investment gaps to foster research and technological solutions. He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable farming practices that align with climate change and biodiversity goals, advocating for tools and initiatives to drive innovation on the ground.
Strengthening Global Competitiveness
Hansen acknowledged Europe’s integral role in global agriculture, emphasizing the sector’s 2023 export success of €230 billion, resulting in a €70 billion trade surplus. However, he stressed the importance of reciprocity in trade agreements, ensuring that imported goods meet the EU’s high environmental and ethical standards. Policies such as the EU’s deforestation regulations and pesticide restrictions were cited as critical examples of maintaining fairness and competitiveness in the global market.
Achieving Climate and Environmental Goals
Recognizing farmers as both victims of and key players in tackling climate change, Hansen prioritized incentivizing sustainable practices over imposing one-size-fits-all mandates. “We need to develop tools to adapt and deploy innovation on the ground,” he said. He praised the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for its contributions to food security and stability over the past six decades but emphasized the need for ongoing reforms to address modern challenges while preserving its strengths.
A Call for Collaboration
To advance these priorities, Hansen announced the creation of the European Board on Agriculture and Food. This platform will unite stakeholders—from farmers to policymakers—to foster dialogue and collaboration. By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, Hansen aims to shape policies that reflect shared values and goals.
A Vision for the Future
Wrapping up his address, Hansen struck an optimistic tone about the road ahead for European agriculture. “I want to create a better environment for our children and the next generation,” he stated. “This can only be achieved if all actors work together. We want to deliver healthy
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