Minister of Agriculture Martine Hansen of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) announced that amendments to the Agriculture Bill and the national strategy plan are slated to be finalised within six weeks following the Agriculture Roundtable. The event, attended by sector representatives and Minister of the Environment Serge Wilmes, addressed several critical issues.
Key discussions revolved around four main points, with adjustments to the Agriculture Bill taking centre stage. Notable decisions included the expansion of subsidies to businesses outside the scope of “active farmer” classification and initiatives aimed at reducing ammonia levels. A dedicated task force is scheduled to convene within the next fortnight to delve deeper into these matters.
Water protection and development in green zones were also significant topics of conversation. Minister Serge Wilmes disclosed plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the Nature Conservation Bill, with a task force led by the Ministry of the Environment and involving agricultural sector representatives expected to deliver recommendations before summer. It has already been decided, however, that construction activities in green zones will be authorised.
Following the roundtable, agricultural sector representatives expressed their satisfaction. Guy Feyder, President of the Chamber of Agriculture, commended the shift away from the previously perceived “culture of obstruction.”
When asked why no environmental organisations were invited to this roundtable discussion, Hansen replied that the focus was primarily on issues directly impacting farmers.
