The member organisations call on Luxembourgish political leaders to create, at the national and European levels, a framework that allows farms to be integrated into a social and ecological context, serving the common good rather than simply competing economic actors.

As the implementation of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023–2027) is underway, with evaluations and adjustments to come, and as the next phase of the CAP is already being prepared, a broad and critical reflection on agricultural policy is essential. Faced with major environmental and food challenges, current liberalisation and deregulation projects, both nationally and at the European level, represent a significant threat to small-scale, sustainable agriculture in Luxembourg and worldwide, to the protection of natural resources, and to greater social justice. Meng Landwirtschaft advocates for a fundamental reorientation of agricultural policy.

The guiding principle: “Public funds for public goods”

Public subsidies should be used primarily to support services of general interest, such as environmental and nature conservation. Moving away from purely economic criteria would also help to enhance the value of farming and open up more motivating prospects for professionals in the sector.

A Luxembourg agricultural policy at an impasse for decades

Luxembourg agriculture is dominated by economic constraints, a competitive logic, and a strong specialisation in intensive cattle farming. Yet Luxembourg has not used the room for manoeuvre offered by the latest CAP reform to promote more environmentally friendly agriculture. The gap continues to widen between the ecological and social expectations of the population and the reality of current agricultural production.

In the current system, the benefits for the community are minimal, while the losses are considerable: environmental impact and biodiversity loss, effects on the climate, and negative impacts on the health and well-being of populations, both in Luxembourg and in the Global South. Furthermore, the sector only generates a positive net income thanks to public subsidies, while offering few attractive future prospects for farmers.

Planting new roots for fair and resilient agriculture

Conversely, socially and ecologically sustainable agriculture offers numerous opportunities – few risks, much to gain. As an active player in protecting the environment, nature, and the climate, agriculture can diversify its income streams and strengthen its overall resilience.

A timely advocacy document with concrete proposals and inspiring examples

The advocacy document is divided into eight key areas, offering avenues for reflection on agriculture that serves everyone. Meng Landwirtschaft proposes leveraging agricultural potential for nature and environmental protection, promoting organic farming consistently, and developing sustainable and animal-friendly livestock farming. It also calls for diversifying and strengthening local production and embedding healthy food in society. Agriculture and food must be considered together, and agricultural professions must be given greater value.

A sustainable agricultural policy is possible, as demonstrated by numerous initiatives both in Luxembourg and abroad. The new advocacy document presents eight examples of best practices: regions and countries with a high proportion of organic farming, initiatives guaranteeing fair prices for producers, and innovative projects promoting plant-based diets.

A new edition of the advocacy document is available free of charge.

The new edition of Meng Landwirtschaft’s advocacy document is available online at www.meng-landwirtschaft.lu and can be ordered free of charge in print via menglandwirtschaft@naturemwelt.lu.

Meng Landwirtschaft is a platform of Luxembourgish non-governmental organisations active in the fields of agriculture, food, the environment, nature and animal protection, health, consumption, and development cooperation. It aims to actively encourage and shape public debate on the future of agriculture in Luxembourg. Founded in 2010, it presented its first agricultural demands in 2014.

The new advocacy is supported by the following 19 member organisations:

natur&ëmwelt a.s.b.l., Vereenegung fir Biolandwirtschaft Lëtzebuerg a.s.b.l., Greenpeace

Luxembourg, Third World Solidarity Action, SOS Faim, Movement

ecological, etika, CELL, Slow Food Luxembourg, Cooperation Circle, Child Support

of India and Nepal, Lëtzebuerger Landesverband fir Beienzuucht, SEED, Kampagne

„ohne Pestizide“, Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg, Frères des Hommes, Foodsharing Luxembourg,

Netzwierk Agroökologie, Fondation Partage.

Email: menglandwirtschaft@naturemwelt.lu

Website: www.meng-landwirtschaft.lu