Newly appointed French Minister of Agriculture shares her vision for a sustainable and competitive French agri-food sector
On Saturday, 19 October, Annie Genevard, France’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, officially inaugurated SIAL Paris 2024. During the opening ceremony, she shared her vision for the future of French agriculture, highlighting the sector’s pivotal role in facing today’s global challenges. In an exclusive interview with SIAL Daily, the Minister discussed how SIAL Paris serves as a strategic platform for France’s agricultural ambitions and outlined her priorities for driving innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.
You were recently appointed France’s Minister of Agriculture. How do you see this new responsibility, and how do you see SIAL Paris as a strategic platform for promoting France’s agricultural ambitions on a European and international level?
First of all, I’d like to say how proud I am to have been appointed to this position by the President of the Republic, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The world of agriculture is marked by high expectations and is facing numerous crises that affect almost every sector and territory. But while upstream production is feeling the brunt of climate change and its effects on health and the economy, the processing industry is also paying the price in terms of falling volumes and shrinking margins.
As Minister for Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, I’m obviously paying close attention to this issue, concerned that every link in the chain be balanced and fairly remunerated.
SIAL Paris is an irreplaceable opportunity to highlight the major role played by our agri-food industries in the value chain of our food sectors and industrial fabric.
SIAL Paris is an irreplaceable opportunity to highlight the major role played by our agri-food industries
The agricultural sector is undergoing a major transformation. What do you see as the main challenges that France and Europe need to tackle together to ensure more sustainable and resilient agriculture?
Today’s world is beset by many uncertainties, with the geopolitical context, accelerating climate change and dwindling available resources. These major upheavals are having a profound effect on our models and the metabolism of our vital sectors, first and foremost our food supply and the vital sovereignty that goes with it. The availability of raw materials and energy, the ecological transition and the digitisation of production tools are all challenges that need to be taken up to ensure that agriculture and its supply chains are more sustainable, efficient and resilient.
With your recent appointment, what are your priorities for boosting the competitiveness of French agriculture while making it more respectful of the environment?
First of all, I would never pit one against the other.
I’m convinced that research and innovation are the major keys to overcoming the climate, health and economic crises that are currently concentrated in “La Ferme France.” I have high hopes for this source of progress in the medium term.
In the short term, simplifying and lightening the administrative burden on both upstream and downstream production are drivers that I am determined to activate quickly so that producers and processors can reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing the meaning and remuneration of their work, or the profitability of their businesses.
We must continue our efforts and speed up the simplification of our agriculture and businesses, to facilitate the ecological and digital transition, reduce our dependence on inputs, encourage innovation and improve the attractiveness of agricultural and agri-food professions.
The agri-food sector plays a key role in the French and European economies. How do you plan to encourage innovations that will enable France to remain a leader in this field, while meeting the expectations of European consumers?
I’m convinced that innovation will enable French agri-food businesses to improve their competitiveness against their international rivals and win market share. To achieve this, we need to support research and training, as well as helping economic players with their projects. Healthier, more sustainable food also means more competitive food, in the interests of the sector and of consumers themselves.