A Personal and Professional Dedication to Agriculture

In a powerful address at one of Europe’s largest agricultural and food policy forums, Commissioner Christophe Hansen shared his personal and professional commitment to shaping the future of European agriculture. Drawing on his roots as a farmer from northern Luxembourg, Hansen highlighted how his upbringing and experiences drive his resolve to create policies that empower farmers, support rural communities, and secure the EU’s food supply for generations to come.

Speaking to a diverse audience of farmers, industry leaders, NGOs, consumers, and policymakers, Hansen emphasized the need for a collaborative, inclusive approach to agricultural policy. “For me,” he said, “there is no better way to start my second week than here with you at the biggest event for agriculture and food in Europe.”

The Challenges Facing European Agriculture

Commissioner Hansen addressed the myriad challenges confronting the sector:

• Aging Farming Demographics: Only 12% of EU farmers are under the age of 40, with an average age of 57. Women account for just 3% of the farming workforce, underscoring the need for targeted initiatives to attract and retain diverse talent in agriculture.
• Economic Pressures: Structural challenges, including declining farm numbers, economic disparities, and an administrative burden that overwhelms many, contribute to farming being perceived as a high-risk, stressful occupation.
• Geopolitical and Environmental Pressures: Global tensions, climate change, and biodiversity loss are placing unprecedented strain on the sector, while demanding innovation and resilience from farmers.

Despite these obstacles, Hansen expressed deep admiration for the resilience of European farmers, calling for a united effort to capitalize on opportunities while addressing these pressing issues.

Commissioner Hansen’s Vision: A Roadmap for the Future

Hansen presented a forward-looking vision for a competitive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector. He outlined several priorities:

1. Generational Renewal and Demographic Balance
   Hansen highlighted the urgent need to attract young farmers by ensuring access to critical resources, such as fertile soil, land, capital, and technology. He emphasized improving rural infrastructure—such as broadband internet—and ensuring rural communities have the same opportunities and services as urban areas.“Without creating the right conditions, we risk losing the next generation of farmers,” he warned, adding that fostering family farming and supporting young entrants must be central tenets of EU agricultural policy.
2. Simplification of Regulations
   Hansen announced plans to reduce administrative burdens for farmers, emphasizing the importance of practical, actionable measures. He referenced a 2025 simplification package aimed at easing compliance for small-scale farmers, including farms under 10 hectares, as part of broader reforms for 2027.
3. Fairness and Value in the Food Supply Chain
   Stressing the importance of fairness, Hansen called for reforms to strengthen farmers’ bargaining positions and ensure equitable compensation. He underscored the need to rectify imbalances in the food chain and promote producer organizations to better position farmers in negotiations with retailers.
4. Investment in Innovation and Sustainability
   Hansen identified bridging the sector’s investment gap as a critical step toward driving innovation. He pointed to the need for research and technology that enable sustainable farming practices while addressing climate change and biodiversity goals.

Strengthening Global Competitiveness and Trade

Commissioner Hansen recognized that European agriculture is deeply interconnected with global trade. He highlighted the sector’s 2023 export success, valued at €230 billion, which created a €70 billion trade surplus. However, he emphasized the importance of reciprocity in trade, advocating for regulations that ensure imported goods meet the EU’s high environmental and ethical standards.

Hansen cited the EU’s deforestation regulation and restrictions on pesticide-treated imports as key examples of ensuring fairness while maintaining the EU’s competitive edge.

Climate and Environmental Goals

Acknowledging that farmers are both victims of and vital players in combating climate change, Hansen stressed the importance of incentivizing sustainable practices. “We need to develop tools to adapt and deploy innovation on the ground,” he said, rejecting top-down mandates in favor of tailored solutions.

He praised the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for its contributions to stability and food security over the past 60 years but stressed the need for reforms that balance predictability and flexibility. The CAP, he argued, must continue evolving to meet modern challenges while preserving its foundational strengths.

Collaborative Action for a Sustainable Future

To guide these efforts, Hansen announced the establishment of the European Board on Agriculture and Food, inviting recognized organizations to join this platform for dialogue and collaboration. He expressed his determination to foster constructive exchanges among all stakeholders to shape policies that reflect shared values and aspirations.

Closing his speech, Hansen spoke with heartfelt optimism about the future of European agriculture: “I want to create a better environment for our children and the next generation. This can only be achieved if all actors work together. We want to deliver healthy food, a healthy environment, and a sustainable livelihood for the next generation of farmers.”