Europe’s agriculture ministers arrived in Dublin this week for an informal meeting to discuss the future of the European farming. Ministers and senior officials were brought together to face a question central to the future of the sector, how can the European Union keep its farming sector profitable as climate shocks continue and public finances move towards other sectors such as defence.
Held at Dublin Castle as part of Ireland’s 2026 presidency of the Council of the EU, the meeting focused heavily on the future of livestock, research and innovation and the EU’s emerging protein strategy. The meeting was chaired by Irish Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, with attendees including European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen.
Agricultural research in Ireland
Ireland has used the presidency as an opportunity to showcase its own research strengths. On Monday, EU ministers and officials visited UCD Lyons Farm, the Irish National Stud and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation’s test centre in Kildare. Farm demonstrations and UCD research showcased during the visit included Ireland’s unique and sustainable grazed grass livestock system.
European Livestock Strategy
Livestock farming remained one of the key discussion points, which the meeting highlighted as a focal point to European food security. The Commission’s Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan, adopted earlier this year, provides an important framework for responding to these challenges, which is an area that the Irish Presidency has committed to progressing. The Strategy describes livestock as representing 40% of EU agricultural added value, €400 billion in annual turnover, 7 million jobs and 4 million livestock farms.
Common Agricultural Policy Budget
The Irish Minister for Agriculture hinted that the Irish Government may seek to secure additional funding for farmersthrough the EU competitiveness fund. Minister Heydon said that all opportunities for funding is ‘really important’ and cited the competitiveness fund. This comes as pressure mounts on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) as some EU member states seek to shrink the overall EU budget and others argue for greater investment in defence.
The future of agricultural spending is tied to negotiations over the EU’s wider 2028–34 Multiannual Financial Framework. EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen said he will be arguing for a CAP budget that will enable farmers to meet the many challenges they face, commenting that member states must be aware that ‘we cannot do better with less’.
Emerging climate impacts for the farming sector
Europe’s farmers have recently come through a summer of severe heat and drought. The Commission previously warned that the consequences are being felt in crop and production, water availability and livestock management. When asked about the impacts for European farmers of drought and heatwaves this Summer, the Commissioner suggested that member states have the means to address this issue, citing their ability to increase 3% of their CAP money for natural disaster payments.
Conclusion
The meeting has highlighted the difficulties facing European agriculture including securing adequate funding while responding to climate pressures and strengthening food security. As Ministers consider the future CAP, Ireland’s emphasis on research and innovation offers a potential pathway towards a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.
