Lithuanian agriculture minister candidate pledges to equalise payments and boost local food production

Lithuanian MP Kęstutis Mažeika, nominated for agriculture minister, met with President Gitanas Nausėda on Tuesday to discuss agricultural reform and EU Council presidency priorities, LRT.lt reports.

According to the president’s chief advisor, Ramūnas Dilba, the meeting focused on aligning direct payments to farmers with the EU average—currently at 80%—which both Nausėda and Lithuanian farmers consider insufficient. Mažeika committed to accelerating this convergence.

Dilba noted that Mažeika’s vision includes a diversified agricultural sector, balancing large and small farms while maximising added value through local processing rather than raw material exports. This approach ties into national security and shortening food supply chains.

Mažeika also proposed that municipal farmers supply local schools and hospitals, creating jobs and boosting budgets. He highlighted challenges in fuel, dairy, meat, and grain prices, calling the current situation “unprecedented” due to financial strain on farms.

Regarding the State Plant Service, embroiled in a bribery scandal, Mažeika acknowledged potential restructuring, including transferring some functions. Dilba confirmed the issue was discussed with Nausėda, with reform options under consideration to strengthen oversight.

On fertiliser costs, Mažeika plans talks with Jonava-based Achema to explore pricing agreements that could lower production costs if the plant operates at full capacity.

The meeting follows the formation of a new ruling coalition after Social Democrats ended their agreement with Nemuno aušra. Parliament approved M. Sinkevičius as prime minister on Monday, and the president formally appointed him.