Hansen affirmed the government’s dedication to continuing support for organic farming while acknowledging the need for “realistic and achievable” goals.
Rather than fixating solely on surface areas, she emphasised the importance of considering the types and quantity of products produced. The minister also advocated for encouraging partial conversion in a targeted manner, particularly highlighting the potential risks associated with immediate full-scale conversion for larger farms.
The government’s approach involves revising the national action plan for promoting organic farming, building upon the efforts of the previous administration. Hansen acknowledged that the objectives set by the last government were not met, prompting the desire to collaborate with stakeholders to establish new, attainable goals.
However, the Pirate Party expressed reservations about the government’s plan, particularly in terms of concrete targets for organic farming. MP Ben Polidori highlighted the absence of specific objectives, criticising the shift away from the previous target of achieving 100% organic farming by 2050. Despite Hansen’s preference for a support-based approach, Polidori urged clarity on deadlines and percentage targets to ensure effective and expedited implementation.
MP Jeff Boonen from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), President of the Parliamentary Agriculture, Food, and Viticulture Committee, outlined the committee’s objective of ensuring that organic farms not only adopt sustainable practices but also thrive economically through product sales. Boonen emphasized a strategic approach beyond subsidies, expressing concerns about creating businesses overly reliant on public funding.
However, Green Party MP Joëlle Welfring criticised the organic farming concept’s lengthy establishment process, arguing that the country could learn from proactive approaches in other nations. Welfring advocated for the involvement of independent agencies to offer dynamic advice to companies seeking to convert, promoting a more efficient transition to organic practices.
LSAP MP Paulette Lenert expressed regret over consumer protection no longer being included in the ministerial portfolio of the new government. Despite this, she acknowledged the significance of the Ministry of Agriculture overseeing food policies for the nation’s future. Lenert hopes for additional practical initiatives in the realm of consumer protection in the coming years.
Minister Martine Hansen addressed consumer protection concerns, assuring that the ministry is “of course” committed to safeguarding consumers. Specifically, she highlighted the upcoming examination of the bill on class action lawsuits in the committee scheduled for January.
