Agriculture Minister Janez Cigler Kralj: The farmer is not the problem, the farmer is the solution

Janez Cigler Kralj, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture in Slovenia, has emphasized that farmers are not the problem but rather the solution to many challenges facing rural communities. Speaking shortly after assuming his role in early June, Kralj outlined key priorities for his tenure, including improving the public image of farming, accelerating compensation for damages caused by natural disasters, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that often consume valuable time for farmers. Kralj was asked how he would react if one of his children expressed a desire to become a farmer. He responded with a mix of humor and sincerity, noting that two of his children have already shown interest in agriculture. One wants to run a ranch with horses, while another aspires to be a farmer. Kralj acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers, citing his family's experience living on a farm in Koroška, which he described as anything but romanticized. Despite this, he expressed support for his children’s ambitions and highlighted the difficulties young people face in starting a farming career due to the need for land ownership or tenancy. When questioned about increasing the number of young people choosing farming as a profession over the next decade, Kralj stressed the importance of presenting agriculture as a respected and viable career path. He noted that this message has been well-received by agricultural non-governmental organizations, especially since he has explicitly rejected the notion that farmers are enemies of nature. Instead, he argued that farmers are essential in ensuring food security, maintaining cultural landscapes, and caring for animal welfare. Kralj mentioned that if he had a magic wand, he would lower the average age of Slovenian farmers by 15 years. This statement reflects his concern about the aging demographic within the farming community and the need for younger generations to step forward. He emphasized that changing the general perception of farmers in society is crucial for attracting more youth into the profession. In response to questions about specific measures he plans to implement during his term, Kralj pointed out that Slovenia has available funds for supporting farmers, yet they remain largely unused. He contrasted this with Austria, where government resources are effectively utilized to support both active and retired farmers. Kralj highlighted the fear among rural communities that farmers might end up financially vulnerable once they retire. He also addressed the issue of green activism, which he believes has unfairly portrayed farmers as adversaries of nature. Kralj stated that he aims to counter this stereotype by promoting the idea that farmers are stewards of the environment, responsible for maintaining ecological balance through their work. He called for a shift in focus to ensure that wildlife such as bears, wolves, and lynxes are protected alongside livestock and crops. Kralj further discussed the need for simplifying administrative procedures and reducing bureaucracy, which he views as major obstacles for farmers. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment where farmers can feel secure and valued, particularly given the stressors they face from weather conditions and other external factors. His vision includes fostering a sense of security and stability for farmers, allowing them to concentrate on their primary tasks without unnecessary burdens.