Speaking at the AGM of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) in Dublin, Mr. Hansen stated that there was no need to set agriculture and the environment against one another.

When he stated that it was unfair for the EU to import agricultural products that were treated with substances that farmers in the EU were not permitted to use, he was met with cheers.

During his first trip to Ireland in his new position, Mr. Hansen informed members that additional funding was required to keep farms operating and to ensure generational renewal.

He also discussed the growing amount of paperwork that farmers must handle and said that this needed to be addressed.

He also talked about treating farmers with dignity and not holding them responsible for all of the environmental issues the EU is facing.

"There is no agriculture without a healthy environment... we don't need to put one against the other."

The lawmakers in attendance laughed when he added, "I was meant to be accompanied by the minister, but as you know...." after he had visited a farm in County Kildare.

Becoming a "boots on the ground commissioner" and learning more about Irish farming were his stated goals.

He asserted that food security and competition were both crucial. Mr. Hansen expressed his happiness at being present for the 70th anniversary of the IFA. He was greeted to the event by IFA President Francie Gorman, who expressed his hope for a new beginning between the Commission and farmers.

According to him, a number of important issues need to be resolved, including the Common Agricultural Policy's overhaul, the agreement reached with Mercosur nations, and the preservation of the nitrates derogation.