Potential new Commissioner for Agriculture faces scrutiny on CAP reforms

Janusz Wojciechowski, who has been earmarked to replace Phil Hogan as the European Commissioner for Agriculture, has said he is “open to discussions” on improving CAP reform proposals.

Wojciechowski faced a three-hour grilling from members of the European Parliament agriculture committee on his suitability for the top job in EU agriculture.

MEPs expressed concerns that the reforms on the table could mean a renationalisation of CAP. There were also several questions about how the environmental ambitions of the policy could be enhanced.

Wojciechowski said the proposals were not final and that he was open to changes.

Vision

The Polish politician, who previously served as a member of the European Parliament himself, said the EU needed a long-term vision for agriculture. His first step if appointed would be to commission “a special report” that reflected the “true picture” of the current situation on the ground.

He highlighted that the number of farms in the EU had reduced by 400,000 in the last decade.

Wojciechowski committed to visiting Irish beef farmers to listen firsthand about the problems they faced

He said there should be more supports for farmers who better protected the environment and improved animal-welfare standards. Wojciechowski moved from the European Parliament to the European Court of Auditors where he oversaw its first report on the state of animal welfare in the EU.

Mercosur

Mercosur also featured prominently in the debate. Wojciechowski was asked how he would ensure farmers would be protected from the effects of trade deals such as Mercosur.

He said he would wait for the European Commission to complete an impact assessment but committed to providing supports if required.

Responding to a question from independent Irish MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, Wojciechowski committed to visiting Irish beef farmers to listen firsthand about the problems they faced.

Another Irish MEP, Matt Carty of Sinn Féin, challenged Wojciechowski about his position on limiting CAP payments. In response he said the Commission wanted flexibility at member state level because of the differing farm structures across the EU.

Members of the agriculture committee will now meet to assess Wojciechowski’s performance at the hearing.

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