In our last interview from the Future of Agriculture series, we have to Franz Fischler, former European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, and now Chairman of the Rise Foundation, an organisation that supports rural development.

The main focus of his position on the future development of the European agricultural sector is on the prioritisation of environmental concerns above all else, which should involve the promotion of farming methods that do not require technology, as well as the reduction of what he calls “harsh” technologies, including some pesticides.