Luxembourg’s Hansen named EU agriculture chief, Hungary’s Várhelyi to stay in charge of food safety
Luxembourg’s nominee for EU commissioner, Christophe Hansen, is poised to lead the agriculture and food security portfolio for the 2024-2029 term, pending confirmation by the European Parliament, announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday in Strasbourg.
Hansen has been tasked with developing a vision for the sector within the first 100 days of the mandate, aligning with von der Leyen’s re-election speech commitments. This plan will draw on the outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, which called for a shift from the Common Agricultural Policy’s land-based subsidies towards greater support for small farms.
In Hansen’s mission letter, the focus is on “food security”, with an emphasis on strengthening food sovereignty and reducing imports of critical inputs and commodities. It is important to note that food safety responsibilities will remain under the health commissioner, Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi, if confirmed by the Parliament.
Várhelyi is also tasked with addressing food waste, enhancing the Sustainability, safety, and affordability of food production, and promoting organic production and biocontrol initiatives. The approach to agriculture under the new Commission is more economy-oriented, with the agriculture portfolio falling under the executive vice-president for cohesion and reforms, Raffaele Fitto of Italy.
Fitto’s mission includes bolstering the competitiveness, resilience, and Sustainability of the food and farming sector while supporting farmers in need. Additionally, Sweden’s Jessika Roswall will oversee environment, water resilience, and a competitive circular economy, focusing on developing the Union’s water strategy.
Animal welfare, now a top priority, will fall under the health commissioner’s responsibility, with the title now including “Animal Welfare”. The revision of animal protection legislation, including rules on cages, slaughterhouses, and labeling, is expected to be an early focus. Von der Leyen’s appointment of Cypriot Costas Kadis as the dedicated European Commissioner for fisheries and oceans emphasizes the importance of creating a sustainable and competitive sector, with plans for the first pact for the oceans.
Overall, the Commission’s nominees aim to address key issues in agriculture, food security, and animal welfare while promoting Sustainability and competitiveness in the sector. Parliament confirmation hearings in October will determine the final appointments, with candidates expected to demonstrate their suitability for the roles.
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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.