French Farmers’ Union Chief Warns of France’s Neglect of EU Agricultural Issues
The president of the prominent farmers’ union FNSEA expressed disappointment regarding France’s limited participation in the new European Commission, calling on French politicians to actively engage in Brussels during a press conference on August 29.
“France is not adequately represented in Brussels, particularly in the development of the future Commission and the selection of the new Commissioner,” stated Arnaud Rousseau, president of the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d’Exploitants Agricoles (FNSEA), in the press conference.
Rousseau also appealed to national authorities to provide support to farmers who have faced the lowest cereal harvests in four decades this summer, alongside challenges posed by livestock diseases.
During the press conference, FNSEA and the Young Farmers organization (Jeunes Agriculteurs, JA) unveiled a set of proposals for a major agricultural policy law that has been promised by the former government but is still awaiting approval from the French parliament.
Rousseau lamented that France has overlooked EU discussions since the end of the European elections, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
Future Commissioner
He emphasized that the new European Commission and the selection of the next Commissioner for Agriculture should be topics of significant discussion in France.
Currently, the only candidate with relevant experience in agricultural policy is Christophe Hansen from Luxembourg. When asked if Hansen would be suitable for the role, Rousseau expressed a desire for a candidate with substantial political influence but refrained from committing to a specific opinion on the candidate.
He also highlighted the importance of the Commissioner selection, noting that many Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with agricultural expertise have not been re-elected. “In Brussels, experience is crucial for influencing policy decisions,” Rousseau explained. Although he welcomed newcomers Valérie Hayer (Renew) and Céline Imart (EPP) working on agricultural matters, he believed they would carry less influence compared to seasoned MEPs.
Food Import Oversight
With agricultural policy currently under EU discussion, Rousseau pointed out that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had not prioritized agriculture during her initial years in office, but now it appears to be a focal point. “I say let’s pursue this,” he noted.
The first chance to address these issues is through the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, initiated by the Commission in January 2024. Rousseau asserted that while conclusions from this dialogue are anticipated soon, ongoing discussions are necessary to determine if these will lay the groundwork for the next Common Agricultural Policy or be open for revision by new policy makers. “This remains up for discussion,” he stated.
This autumn, the FNSEA plans to focus on two critical matters: ensuring fair treatment of farmers within the food supply chain and overseeing food imports.
According to the farmers’ group, only 3% of food entering the EU undergoes inspection, and 15% does not comply with European standards. Rousseau insisted that addressing food imports is essential “before engaging in trade agreements.”
He commended the incumbent agriculture minister, Marc Fesneau, for performing well in Brussels amidst a challenging economic landscape compared to his predecessor, Julien Denormandie. When asked what he hopes to see from the next French minister, Rousseau replied that “all I need is for France to have a strong presence in Brussels.”
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.