During his visit to Ireland this week, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen discussed a wide range of topics central to Irish farmers while attending Seamus and Elaine Byrne's family farm in Co. Kildare.

While receiving a tour and learning about the family's dairy farming system, the commissioner also discussed issues around generational renewal, women in farming, along with predictability needed for long-term investment, and protecting water and grass quality.

Commissioner Hansen has made a pledge to Irish farmers that he will be a "boots-on-the ground commissioner", seeing farming in real life, "and not just from a desk somewhere in Brussels.

He has said that he will remain “committed” to supporting and saving average family farms in Ireland put an “emphasis” on supporting young and new farmers.

The commissioner attended the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) annual general meeting (AGM) where he heard the key concerns from farmers, with many questions arising around the Mercosur trade deal.

The future of agriculture and the Mercosur agreement will be topics of two debates for members of European Commission next week.

Commissioner Hansen will debate with members of the AGRI committee on the future of EU agriculture on Wednesday, January 29.

The commissioner has also been tasked with preparing a Vision for Agriculture and Food in his first 100 days in the position, building on the recommendations of the strategic dialogue.

During a separate debate on Thursday, January 30, MEPs will discuss the impact of the Mercosur agreement on the agri-food sector with Commissioner Hansen and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič.

On December 6 2024, the EU reached a political agreement with Mercosur countries on partnership, and consent procedure will begin once legal checks and translations are finished by the commission, and the proposal is presented to the council and parliament.