Lithuanian agriculture minister candidate pledges to raise subsidies and boost local food production

Proposed agriculture minister Kęstutis Mažeika met with President Gitanas Nausėda on Wednesday to discuss increasing direct payments to farmers and shortening food supply chains, LRT reports.

Mažeika, a former environment minister, farmer, and member of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, is being considered for the role of agriculture minister. According to the president’s chief advisor, Ramūnas Dilba, the meeting also covered Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council, with a focus on agricultural reform.

Dilba highlighted Mažeika’s experience in agriculture and his role in the Rural Affairs Committee. The president reportedly viewed the meeting positively.

Mažeika committed to working toward convergence in direct EU subsidies for farmers, which currently stand at around 80% of the EU average. He also discussed plans for his future team, including deputy ministers.

“The main goal is to move toward convergence in direct payments to farmers. The current level is 80% of the EU average, which does not satisfy Lithuanian farmers or the president. The aim is to achieve this as quickly as possible,” Dilba said.

The discussion also addressed the structure of Lithuania’s agricultural sector. Mažeika advocates for a diversified model that balances large and small farms while maximizing added value—processing more raw materials domestically rather than exporting them. This approach is linked to national security and the goal of shortening food supply chains.

Mažeika proposed that municipalities could source raw materials from local farmers for schools and hospitals. He also raised concerns about volatile prices for fuel, dairy, meat, and grain, noting the financial strain on farmers.

“We grow far more grain than we consume, yet we barely process any of it. This is an opportunity to create jobs and increase the budget,” Mažeika said.

When asked about the future of the State Plant Service—an agency under scrutiny following a bribery scandal—Mažeika acknowledged that its dissolution was a possible scenario. He suggested that some of its functions could be transferred elsewhere. Dilba confirmed that the president had also discussed potential reforms, including redistributing functions and strengthening oversight.

Mažeika also addressed rising fertilizer costs, mentioning plans to meet with Jonava-based fertilizer producer Achema to seek a compromise on pricing.