EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen has told Irish farmers that he wants farming to be sustainable economically as well as environmentally.
Addressing the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) AGM in Dublin, Mr Hansen, said agriculture and the environment did not need to be pitted against each other.
He was greeted with applause when he said that it was not fair the EU imports agricultural products treated with products that were not allowed to be used by farmers within the EU.
In his first visit to Ireland in his new role, Mr Hansen told members more investment was needed to ensure farms stay in production and to ensure generational renewal.
Mr Hansen spoke about the increasing levels of paperwork that farmers have to deal with and said this had to be challenged.
He also spoke about giving back respect to farmers and not blaming them for all the environmental problems the EU faces.
"There is no agriculture without a healthy environment... we don't need to put one against the other."
He said he went to see a farm in Co Kildare, adding "I was meant to be accompanied by the minister, but as you know...."- prompting laughter from the assembled members.
He said he wanted to be a "boots on the ground commissioner" and to learn more about Irish farming.
He said both competitiveness and food security were important.
Mr Hansen said he was happy to be here for the IFA's 70th anniversary.
IFA President Francie Gorman welcomed him to the gathering and said he was hoping for a reset in relations between the Commission and farmers.
He said several crucial issues had to be addressed, such as reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, concerns over the deal agreed with Mercosur countries and the retention of the nitrates derogation.
