Agrifish Council faces unprecedented panic: what this means for EU policy and fisheries
France is on the brink of having a new National Assembly following the legislative elections on Sunday evening (7 July). If the Rassemblement national (RN) and its right-wing allies manage to secure an absolute majority, Jordan Bardella, the likely new prime minister, will need to nominate a new minister of agriculture.
The potential candidates for the position include Gilles Lebreton, a former RN MEP with recognized expertise in agricultural issues, and French MP Grégoire de Fournas, a winegrower from the Bordeaux region. Both candidates are known for their reservations about the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which they believe threatens European food sovereignty.
In terms of gene edited plants (NGTs) and animal welfare legislation, an RN minister is expected to maintain France’s favorable position, as demonstrated by the majority of RN representatives in the European Parliament. The appointment of an RN minister could potentially slow down the implementation of the Farm to Fork strategy in the EU.
Furthermore, there is a possibility of a far-right agricultural alliance emerging in the EU Council, with France potentially collaborating with other like-minded countries. However, the combined influence of these countries may not be sufficient to impose a specific vision on the Council.
President Emmanuel Macron is unlikely to easily concede the future of agriculture to the Rassemblement national, setting the stage for a possible struggle for influence in EU agricultural policies. The next Agrifish Council meeting on 15 July could mark the beginning of this tug-of-war.
Additionally, the European Parliament’s new majority coalition, comprising the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the European People’s Party (EPP), and Renew Europe, is prioritizing addressing unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. However, the parties differ in their approach to sustainability, with the EPP seeking to delay the implementation of anti-deforestation laws.
Various stakeholders in the food industry have expressed their expectations for the upcoming mandate, including calls for a vice-president for agriculture in the next Commission and concerns about market fragmentation. The EU has also reintroduced quotas on sugar and egg imports from Ukraine and highlighted the CAP’s role in strengthening rural areas.
In summary, the potential appointment of an RN minister in France could have significant implications for EU agricultural policies, particularly in relation to the Farm to Fork strategy and other key issues on the EU Council’s agenda.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.