Belgium's farm sector is beset by difficulties, the head of the Walloon Federation of Agriculture (Fwa) stressed on Friday at the opening of the 88th edition of the Libramont agriculture, forestry and agribusiness fair.
“Adverse weather since last October has severely hindered agricultural work processing," Marianne Streel said. "Crop and fodder yields are poor in quality and historically low in quantity, inevitably affecting our farmers’ and breeders’ income,” added the FWA president, who is herself a farmer.
Addressing the strain experienced after the winter, Ms. Streel stressed that Walloon family farming urgently requires a decent income, improved farmer status, administrative simplicity and special attention to the transfer of farms to the next generation of farmers.
The sector also needs a rejuvenated image, legislation that is aligned with its realities, and fair trade agreements.
Turning to the new Minister of Agriculture, Anne-Catherine Dalcq, Ms. Streel noted that her appointment presents a real opportunity for the industry.
Minister Dalcq was a farmer up to early this month.
“Your knowledge, determination and hard work will undoubtedly benefit the interests of all Walloon farmers,” the Fwa president said.
The Libramont Fair is the largest open-air fair in Europe. Each year, it welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors, 700 exhibitors and 4,000 brands on a 200,000 m² site.
