Reportedly, Luxembourg will submit a proposal on Monday during the monthly Agriculture Council for stricter rules regarding the presence of chemical residue in imported food. This aligns with the earlier rejection by the European Parliament of proposals not to impose stricter limits.
The European Parliament holds that food produced outside the EU must comply with the same strict rules as products from within the EU, meaning no residue of chemical substances banned in the EU may be present. The Luxembourg proposal will be submitted on Monday in Brussels by namesake and niece of the new EU Commissioner, Martine Hansen.
The agriculture ministers will not only discuss the Luxembourg proposal but also other important issues affecting the future of European agriculture. The previous European Commission formulated objectives in its "Farm to Fork" strategy regarding the reduction of use and risks of chemical substances.
Hansen stated that if plant protection products are banned, good alternatives must be available. Additionally, he emphasized that agriculture plays an important role in the European economy and that supporting the sector’s transition to more sustainable practices is essential.
The newly appointed Commissioner has indicated that he wants to engage with those directly involved with agricultural policy. To this end, a kind of sounding board and advisory group will be presented next week in Brussels. Hansen stressed that he will be very active and certainly will not remain secluded in Brussels’ ivory tower. This hands-on approach is appreciated by many in the sector and seen as a positive change.
The coming months will be crucial for Hansen, as he has the task of developing a new vision for agriculture and food within one hundred days after the start of the new European Commission. This vision will be based on recommendations from the earlier strategic dialogue of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Hansen, a 42-year-old Luxembourger with a background in agriculture, emphasized last month during his hearing before the European Parliament that he will stand as Agriculture Commissioner for farmers in all EU countries. His appointment is seen as a fresh breeze after his predecessor, Janusz Wojciechowski, who was criticized for his visibility and involvement in the agricultural sector.