On the eve of the Foire de Libramont, Benoît Cassart, farmer and Member of the European Parliament, a member of the committees on “international trade”, “transport and tourism” and “agriculture and rural development”, looks back on his priorities at the start of his term.
As a farmer, his number one priority is to work on European agricultural policies, particularly the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027.
“We need to put an end to the current hypocrisy of saying that farmers should get a fair price in a free global market. A fair price can only be achieved in a market protected by market management tools or customs protection at the borders. In a free global market, the only way to improve farm income is to increase support by raising the CAP budget. A choice will have to be made between these options. In addition, we want to deepen simplification efforts.” says Benoît Cassart. “There must be complete coherence between the European Union's agricultural policies and its trade policies. That is why I chose to sit on the International Trade committee. I want to ensure, at the very least, that mirror clauses are included in free-trade agreements, particularly with Mercosur and Ukraine, which are highly agricultural and highly competitive countries” insists the MEP.
The second pillar of his European commitment is the defence of livestock farming, particularly through the creation of an intergroup dedicated to sustainable livestock farming.
The establishment of an intergroup dedicated to livestock farming in the European Parliament would aim to build a new narrative on the economic, social and environmental usefulness of livestock farming, based on a scientific approach. “Livestock farming plays a vital role in the economy, food security and the management of European ecosystems. It is too often attacked, the victim of unfounded criticism and ignorance. The intergroup would be the first step towards defending the profession of livestock farmer within the EU. » declares Benoît Cassart.
As a livestock farmer, Benoît Cassart is highly motivated to speed up the revision of the 1992 Habitats Directive, which determines the status of large predators. The arrival of the wolf in Belgium and the damage caused to cattle and sheep farms show just how urgent it is to change the wolf's protected status.
“In September 2023 the Commission declared that the return of the wolf to Europe represents a genuine danger to livestock and human life. We agree! Now farmers expect action. Without swift action, I fear that out of desperation some livestock farmers may end up arming themselves to defend their herds” warns Benoît Cassart.
Another issue where Benoît Cassart will be at the forefront is the draft European regulation on the transport of live animals.
This dossier will be handled by the “transport” and “agriculture” committees, of which the MEP is a member. “I will be heavily involved in this text, which will be on the table as early as this autumn. I know the concerns of transporters and livestock traders. The text presented by the European Commission lacks pragmatism, particularly regarding transport conditions. Substantial corrections will need to be made to the Commission's initial proposal so that it aligns with realities on the ground. Finally, the administrative procedures relating to livestock transport will need to be simplified to facilitate the exchange of live animals within the European market” concludes Benoît Cassart.