Belgian Agriculture Minister David Clarinval recently met with farmers protesting outside the Council’s walls to address their concerns. During the meeting, Clarinval emphasized that progress had been made in administrative simplification during the last Council meeting. Measures to increase income and ensure greater flexibility in the common agricultural policy were discussed.
Clarinval expressed hope for an agreement with the European Parliament to ensure competitiveness and fair compensation for farmers. In particular, he mentioned the introduction of greater flexibility in winter cover and crop rotation, as well as the establishment of a price observatory with thresholds for adjusting prices. Additionally, trade measures against Russian grains were discussed.
In conclusion, the aim is to support European agriculture and food sovereignty by ensuring fair compensation to farmers. Clarinval stressed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in the weeks leading up to the European elections to ensure a positive outcome for all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector.