To stand guard over Icelandic agriculture

Recently, the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce was held and the Farmers' Assembly is upcoming, so it is important to discuss the impending review of agricultural agreements. It is essential that agreements benefit farmers and the country's food production, and therefore I would like to urge the esteemed Minister for Food in that regard. We need to listen to the needs and demands of farmers. This matter concerns not just them but society as a whole. We want to live with food security where production incentives are strong and we never suffer a shortage of domestic food.

Obvious need for more support and increased tariff protection

We see an obvious need for support from the state both in the form of financial contributions and tariff protection. Any discussion of changing the system and phasing out payments directly linked to production is only likely to weaken the foundations of agriculture, particularly when it comes to cattle and sheep farming. Non-production linked support or green payments do not ensure sufficient production efficiently.

With less support, we prevent the necessary renewal in the sector. Strong support and an efficient system provide the foundation for the initiation and continuation of food production. We see that investment in farming is considerable. Interest rates are around 10% on land loans, which is a considerable matter for reflection. How do we intend to ensure renewal under these conditions?

Robust tariff protection and a review of the price base must be ensured, which is a matter of interest for both farmers and consumers. All discussion about increasing prices for consumers is misguided, and the goal should be to ensure product production.

Let's take steady steps

We will not strengthen agriculture by reducing support for one sector in favour of another. Icelanders take pride in the fact that we live with quality and wholesomeness in our food. This, of course, is based on Icelandic agriculture. The danger is that these qualities will disappear if agriculture does not receive the respect and support it deserves. Let’s do this properly once and for all!

Hafdís Hrönn Hafsteinsdóttir, Member of Parliament for Framsókn in the South constituency.

The article was first published on dfs.is on 6 March 2023.