The 43rd edition of the traditional Foire Agricole is underway in Ettelbruck, running from Friday through Sunday under the theme 'Reconnect'. The aim is to bring agriculture and citizens closer together, with a particular focus on local and regional products. Despite the hot weather, organisers expect around 50,000 visitors over the weekend. Saturday’s highlight was a visit from European Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, who served as the event's guest of honour.
The Foire Agricole, now in its 43rd year, has drawn a record 380 exhibitors and representatives from the agricultural sector, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in farming.
Commissioner Hansen took time out from a packed European agenda to visit local livestock breeders, sample ice cream, and engage in discussion at the Luxlait stand. He emphasised that the entire country, especially the dairy farming sector, is closely following the ongoing saga involving EKABE and Luxlait. According to Hansen, the issue has not gone unnoticed in Brussels.
Luxembourg’s commissioner emphasised that the 68 affected farmers cannot simply be abandoned. In this particular case, Hansen noted, there are financial resources available, namely €450 million per year in the EU’s agricultural reserve. He acknowledged that the dairy sector is struggling not only in Luxembourg but across several other countries as well. While investment support is possible, it would not become available until next year. Hansen encouraged farmers not to lose hope.
Farmers allegedly maintain a good working relationship with Luxembourg's agriculture minister, Martine Hansen, who was not present at the time, so questions about her reportedly tense working relationship with fellow party member and Environment Minister remained unanswered.
Commissioner Hansen declined to comment on the apparent conflict, highlighting instead that farmers keenly understand the importance of a healthy environment, including clean soil and water, for their work. He added that the efforts of the country’s farmers deserve to be recognised and supported
Financial assistance from the European Union has already been distributed for this year, but Hansen signalled that further increases are both needed and expected to help the sector cope with current challenges.
While politics always play a role, the Foire Agricole is above all an event for families and the wider public to explore in their free time. This year, a new village for small animals proved especially popular, featuring a lively pavilion – or rather a tent – where bunnies sought shade behind cardboard displays, not to mention the challenging conditions cows faced in these temperatures. However, neither the EU Commissioner nor the veterinary inspectors seemed to raise any issues regarding animal welfare at the event.
