EU agriculture ministers discussed more competitive agriculture

Brussels – The ministers for agriculture and fisheries discussed the new “vision” for agriculture and food of the EU Commission at their meeting on Monday in Brussels. It includes a more competitive European agricultural industry with simpler and more targeted subsidies. Austria’s Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) welcomes the plans: It is important to look to the future and give farmers a perspective.

The vision comes at the right time: In addition to the planned reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), it addresses the “concerns of farming family businesses,” Totschnig told reporters before the council. These are “firstly the positioning of agriculture as a strong agricultural sector where income can also be earned.” Secondly, fair competitive conditions are needed in the EU single market to withstand global challenges. The third concern is a future-fit agriculture that contributes to climate goals, and fourthly, fair working and living conditions in rural areas.

Major post in the EU budget

Common Agricultural Policy must have the same importance in the future multi-year EU budget as it currently does, Totschnig demanded. It will be “very decisive how to position oneself in the negotiations,” the minister said regarding the major challenges Europe and thus the next EU budget face. In addition to direct payments, strong rural development must also be anchored again, he emphasized: Austria has received a relatively larger share here, for example in the support of organic farmers or mountain farmers.

The strategy paper on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) presented in February aims to bring together climate protection with the challenges of the sector: For example, the Commission wants to “carefully examine” further bans on pesticides in the future, and adjust standards for imported products. “Incentives instead of conditions” are to guide the distribution of the billion-dollar EU agricultural subsidies in the future. The focus should be on farmers who produce food. Agricultural funds make up a large part of the EU budget: Around 365 billion euros are planned for the current funding period until 2027. The next multi-year EU budget will run from 2028 for seven years.

Totschnig: unchanged position on Mercosur

The EU Commission has a lot of experience in dealing with US President Donald Trump, Totschnig said regarding the planned tariffs. “If there are distortions on the world market in the agricultural sector, it affects Austria.” Trade agreements that could stabilize the markets are advantageous. The controversial trade agreement with South American states Mercosur is a “special case for us, we are generally for free trade.” In the case of Mercosur, there is a clear position of the National Council, and the ministers must vote against it. He sees “no change coming” here.

German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir also welcomed the EU Commission’s vision again. He congratulated his Croatian colleague David Vlajčić on his appointment before the council, as well as Totschnig on his reappointment. He looks forward to further cooperation with Croatia and Austria in the Council of Ministers and the European Commission. (03/24/2025)