During a recent protest by Belgian farmers outside the Council walls, Agriculture Minister David Clarinval spoke out to address their concerns. He stated that progress has been made in simplifying administrative processes during the last Council meeting, with discussions on measures to increase income and provide greater flexibility in the common agricultural policy.
Clarinval expressed his hope for an agreement with the European Parliament to ensure competitiveness and fair remuneration for farmers. Specifically, he mentioned introducing greater flexibility in winter coverage and crop rotations, as well as establishing a price observatory with thresholds for price responsiveness. Additionally, trade measures against Russian cereals were discussed as part of the negotiations.
In conclusion, the goal is to support European agriculture and food sovereignty by providing fair compensation to farmers. Clarinval emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the weeks leading up to the European elections to ensure a positive outcome for all stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector.