The climate, environment and animal welfare goals of the EU and its member states are putting pressure on farmers, contributing to the loss of 3 million farms over a decade. With 9 million farms left and a new EU agricultural commissioner, the focus is shifting from overregulating agriculture to fostering its role in food production and food security through predictable regulations and sound income levels. “There is a new reality in Brussels,” according to AVEC chair Gert Jan Oplaat.
“The EU livestock sector is indispensable to the overall agricultural landscape,” notes Oplaat. “We have been pushing for policies that support our farmers and food producers, not ones that create additional burdens or expose them to unfair competition. For the first time in years, we now see the EU move in the desired direction and we do expect that, with time, this will find its way into national policies as well.”
Recognising the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring Europe’s food availability and security has long been out of focus. Geopolitical and economic developments in the world have changed that perspective, especially in politics.
“To be frank, we could already see the beginning of a change of tone during the term of the last commissioner, but with current commissioner Hansen [recently appointed EU agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen] things really got moving.” That said, different governmental organisations within the EU and its member states move at different speeds.
Oplaat: “What does help in the case of agricultural commissioner Hansen is that he has a very good understanding of our sector. He has family ties within farming and was the chairman of the poultry farming sector in Luxemburg. He knows what he is talking about, and he is aware of the needs of the farmer firsthand.”
Practical approach
In the vision of Hansen, Oplaat sees a more pragmatic approach to future proof the EU livestock sector. “Instead of ambitious objectives, he proposes a practical approach, taking into account the realities on the ground. Of course, we continue to improve our industry to a higher standard, but we have to stay in business while doing so.”
The AVEC chair speaks of a new reality in Brussels, moving away from highly ideological objectives towards realistic targets. “The transformation of 25% of agricultural land into organic farming is off the table. Also, with this commission, the European Chicken Commitment won’t be the future standard of our industry as that would be moving in the wrong direction. The European Chicken Commitment would force us to build 10,000 new poultry farms or would push our self-sufficiency down to 60%, with a 37% higher price level and a 25% rise in greenhouse gas emissions. In the new reality, animal welfare is still important, but in the impact assessment, food security, price and farmers’ income weigh heavier than before.”
Food, a strategic asset
The hot topic in the EU commission is currently food security, as the body realises we cannot be dependent on imports from third countries. “Food production in the EU is a strategic asset which should be valued more. Bashing farmers doesn’t fit in the timeframe which we are in now,” says Oplaat.
During a recent visit of Hansen to the Netherlands, the commissioner clearly expressed that shrinkage of the livestock sector would be detrimental to the higher EU goals – a statement that was in stark contrast with the past and even current political reality in The Hague. Dutch farmers are probably the most overregulated producers in the world, as they are producing in a densely populated country with extremely protective legislation for the few patches of nature reserves that still exist.
“Under the past government there was talk of halving our livestock population, partly explained by levels of environmental protection prescribed by the EU. After national elections, a new government looked for solutions to mitigate the effects on our farming sector and stated that it would go to Brussels and make a fist in favour of livestock production,” Oplaat explains. “Now we see Brussels coming to the Netherlands with a narrative that goes far beyond what Dutch politicians anticipated.”
The AVEC chair, who is also head of the Dutch poultry processors association Nepluvi, sees a wind of change in Brussels. “It will take time for national legislators to embrace this change. Every EU member state has its own local challenges which have to be taken in account, but that doesn’t change the overall direction we should be moving in to ensure a sound food production system in Europe.”
We want to improve our industry standards, but we have to stay in business whilst doing so.”