Ursula Von der Leyen calls Europe’s farmers the best in the world and promises support and better risk management. In Denmark, the development is the opposite, L&F believes.
“The best in the world.”
This is how European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described European farmers in her State of the Union address, stating that the Commission will support them “all the way”.
Von der Leyen pointed to the harsh summer that has hit agriculture and announced proposals to make farmers better prepared for losses from extreme weather. She also highlighted precision agriculture and the need for access to water for food production.
This is in line with the course the Commission has taken in recent months. In its new livestock strategy, the Commission describes livestock production as strategic for Europe’s food security, while the new protein plan aims to make the EU less dependent on imported raw materials.
– These are remarkable tones from Brussels. The Commission is looking at how Europe can take better care of its food production in a more uncertain world. At the same time, we are seeing new requirements in Denmark that risk significantly reducing production. The contrast is hard to overlook, says CEO of the Danish Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Morten Boje Hviid.
This summer has shown how vulnerable production can be. According to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, yields for some summer crops are expected to be up to 14 percent below the five-year average after heat and drought.
Denmark is going a different way
The Danish Parliament has just passed a new nitrogen regulation, which according to calculations could reduce Danish grain production by 1.8 million tonnes. This could mean that Denmark goes from being a net exporter of grain to becoming a net importer.
At the same time, the green tripartite is engaged in a comprehensive restructuring of the Danish land area. Municipalities, farmers and nature organizations must find local solutions that reduce nitrogen emissions and restructure large areas. On top of that, the government has announced a national ban on spraying around drinking water wells.
– It is a paradox. Europe is increasingly speaking out about secure supplies and the value of being able to produce its own food. Here at home, we are placing new demands on top of a historically large restructuring with the consequence that we risk producing significantly less, says Morten Boje Hviid.
This is what Ursula von der Leyen said about the agricultural and food industry:
- Called Europe’s farmers “the best in the world” and promised to support them “all the way.”
- Announced better risk management after a summer with extreme weather.
- Pointed out the need for access to water for food production.
- Highlighted precision agriculture as an area where artificial intelligence can enhance production.
