The EU has a new Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. His name is Cristophe Hansen from Luxembourg. Over a tense two-week period in early November all of the new EU Commissioner designates including Ireland’s Michael McGrath were put through their paces by MEPs in three hour grilling’s, a glorified job interview of sorts.
Journalists, MEPs, lobbyists and EU Commission officials packed into the parliament meeting room for the hearings where the Commissioners faced up to 100 quick fire questions to test their ability to be the Commissioner for their designated portfolios.
Mr. Hansen sailed through his hearing and displayed a very thorough knowledge of his brief which is certainly encouraging for the farming sector. He is from the European Peoples Party which would be seen as arguably the most “farmer friendly” of the parliament groupings. Fine Gael’s 4 MEPs are aligned with the EPP. Ireland Midlands & West MEP Maria Walsh was one of the MEPs who had the opportunity to put a question to Mr. Hansen during his hearing.
Far from being a question on EU policy, Ms. Walsh focussed on mental health and the pressure which farmers face daily and referred to the findings of a recent survey which showed how older farmers are at a higher risk of suicide. The survey was conducted earlier this year by a psychology masters student, Mark Creegan, in collaboration with members from the UCD Agri Mental Health Group: Prof. Louise McHugh; Dr. Alison Stapleton; and Dr. Tomás Russell.
The question prompted the most poignant answer of the night from Mr. Hansen. He spoke about his 55-year-old brother who died in an accident last year. His brother was a farmer and sustained fatal injuries in a fall down a stairwell at home. Mr. Hansen said that his brother was under pressure at the time which he feels contributed hugely to the accident. “It was caused by many factors that impact rural areas and farmers. Because they are under pressure, they have financial issues that they cannot cope with. They have huge investments. They have subsidies that are not paid in time and the bank doesn’t forgive any delay and they don’t have time to consult with anybody.”
He also told how, when his brother was on a rare holiday, his honeymoon, “I looked after his farm which was a dairy farm, and he called me three times a day to make sure everything was ok.” It was the sort of story any Irish farmer could resonate with. And it certainly showed that he has a clear understanding of the challenges which farmers face which are common across Europe which should auger well in his new role.
At time of writing, the Commission is taking shape although the final shakeout of files which impact on farming is still not clear in terms of what Directorate General, they will fall under. Mr. Hansen will have plenty on his plate including securing as much funding as he can for the next CAP which comes into play in 2027 with Ireland holding the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026 meaning critical decisions about the look of the next CAP will be overseen by him and the Irish Agriculture Minister as President of the Farm Council.