Martine Hansen (Government of Luxembourg): Securing Agriculture’s Future

Martine Hansen, Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, outlines national priorities, from sustainability and innovation to consumer protection, while addressing structural challenges within farming and wine production.

How do you define agriculture’s strategic importance in Luxembourg?
I consider agriculture a pillar of national stability because it directly connects to food security, landscape preservation, and cultural heritage. Luxembourg counts around two thousand two hundred producers, mainly family-run structures and cooperatives, which shape both rural identity and economic resilience. I support a model focused on quality rather than industrial scale, favouring sustainable production through national measures and European frameworks such as the Common Agricultural Policy. High environmental and social standards raise production costs, yet they guarantee trusted products, confirmed by strong consumer confidence in local meat, dairy, cereals and wine. I view public support not as dependence but as compensation for these standards, ensuring farmers remain competitive within a global market where external producers face fewer constraints. This balance between sustainability, quality and financial viability remains essential for long-term resilience.

“Agriculture is a pillar of national stability”

Are subsidies and economic pressures shaping the sector’s future?

I recognise that subsidies play a central role across Europe, yet I stress that Luxembourg contributes significantly through national co-financing. Farming faces structural cost pressures, making public investment necessary to maintain competitiveness and ensure fair income. My priorities focus on innovation, diversification and simplification. Dairy dominates production, so I encourage expansion into fruit and vegetable cultivation through greenhouse initiatives. I also advance a new agricultural policy framework while promoting local products and reducing food waste. Generational renewal stands as a decisive challenge, since the sector requires motivated young farmers despite demanding working conditions. I actively support organic farming through a coordinated national plan involving five administrations working closely with producers. Dialogue with farmers guides policymaking, ensuring that reforms reflect practical realities rather than abstract objectives. This collaborative approach strengthens both efficiency and sector attractiveness.

What direction should Luxembourg’s wine sector and consumer protection take?
I believe winemakers must retain strategic autonomy, yet I encourage a shared commitment to high-quality production. Luxembourgish wines already gain recognition internationally, though stronger promotion could unlock further potential, especially as European consumption declines. Opportunities exist beyond domestic markets, requiring strategic positioning without compromising identity. Regarding consumption, I support responsible behaviour while defending individual choice, favouring quality over excess. On consumer protection, digital transformation introduces new vulnerabilities, including misleading interfaces and complex market structures that obscure pricing or conditions. I address these risks through regulation, awareness campaigns and education, recognising that informed consumers represent the strongest defence. Artificial intelligence amplifies both opportunity and risk, particularly with scams and manipulated content. I accept that absolute security remains unrealistic, yet careful observation, critical thinking and regulatory vigilance can reduce exposure while preserving technological benefits.