Luxembourgish farmers have not been spared by the health crisis, yet it took the government a considerable amount of time to introduce financial support for the sector, president Feyder explained. Still, it is more of a symbolic recognition than a real compensation, he further noted. The agricultural sector suffers for as long as the Horesca sector remains closed. He also directed criticism at Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development Romain Schneider, who Feyder believes has not fought enough for their interests. He fears that the minister's voice is ignored by the administration, which in general has no vision for the sector.
Pig farmers are currently suffering the most. The small number remaining in the Grand Duchy has to endure significant price fluctuations due to competition from Germany. While pork dropped more than €1 per kilo in value, the milk price has remained more or less stable in comparison. Furthermore, pig farmers have lost considerable amounts of income since the beginning of the pandemic, which may lead to further business closures.
President Feyder also addressed the new agriculture bill, which was passed by the Chamber two weeks ago. He believes the changes will not be able to help businesses tackle the modern problems of the sector, particularly highlighting the challenges in the domain of sustainability, climate protection, and digitalisation. Government officials keep referring to a pending EU agriculture directive, which will introduce new regulations and goals for the Union. However, Feyder believes that the Grand Duchy could have progressed already and prepared its own sector for the unavoidable adaption process before it actually has to be implemented.
The level of frustration in Luxembourg's agriculture sector thus keeps growing, especially considering the lack of interest for increasing their support among government officials. One year ago, the Chamber of Agriculture even presented Minister Schneider with a viable long-term strategy, which unfortunately seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Farmers will therefore now increase their efforts to strengthen their common voice and make themselves heard.
Similarly, the Ministry for the Environment appears to lack interest in the agriculture sector. President Feyder elaborated on the situation of the barrier lake, which has in recent years been increasingly plagued by the appearance of blue algae. However, an expert analysis of the water has shown that this has nothing to do with the work of nearby farmers, but is rather related to the local water purification plant, which is in need of restoration. Nevertheless, neither the Ministry for the Environment, nor the Water Management Administration approved of the findings.
