Ahead of today’s AGRIFISH Council meeting in Brussels, liberal ministers gathered for an exchange focused on the future of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems across Europe.
A major focus of the exchange was how Europe can continue supporting farmers while also accelerating the transition towards more sustainable and competitive agricultural practices, especially with growing pressure on European food systems, driven by climate change, global market volatility and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
Liberal ministers exchanged their national experiences and highlighted innovative approaches already being implemented at domestic level, particularly in relation to efficiency, resource use and long-term food security.
Attention also turned to the European Commission’s proposed Fertilisers Action Plan, with discussions focusing on affordability and supply stability, in particular ensuring farmers have reliable access to competitively priced fertilisers, while safeguarding long-term food security.
The ministers present at the exchange were:
- Anne-Catherine Dalcq, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MR, BE)
- Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Fianna Fáil, IE)
- Jaimi van Essen, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (D66, NL)
- Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP, Chair (FDP, DE)
The ministers reiterated the liberal approach to agriculture policy, which combines innovation and sustainability with competitiveness while ensuring that Europe’s farmers remain supported.