Iowa farmers offered EU policy impact tour in 2025

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Farm Bureau members are invited to join an International Market Study Tour from June 7-15, 2025, offering an opportunity to experience Europe’s agricultural practices firsthand.

The tour, set to cover Brussels and the Netherlands, aims to provide insights into the EU’s climate policies and how they impact agriculture, equipping participants with knowledge they can bring back to their communities.

The EU Green Deal, which seeks a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aims for 25% of farmland to adopt organic practices by 2030, has led to considerable changes across Europe’s agricultural landscape.

Some of these measures, such as family farm buyouts and restrictions on livestock production, have sparked farmer protests. For Iowa farmers, this tour is a chance to learn about these policies and anticipate similar trends in the United States.

“Our main objective is to gain a deeper understanding of EU climate policies so Iowa farmers can stay prepared,” said Dr. Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau’s economics and research manager. “This trip is designed to bring back firsthand experiences that will benefit farmers and policymakers here in Iowa.”

The tour’s itinerary includes visits to prominent sites like Royal FloraHolland, the world’s largest flower auction, and Greentech, a horticulture exhibition focused on sustainable agriculture.

Additionally, participants will tour Brussels’ famous Grand-Place, the historic Kinderdijk windmills in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam’s scenic neighborhoods.

Priced at $2,500 per person, the tour covers round-trip airfare, shared accommodations, and meals. Participants can bring a significant other for an additional fee of $5,800. Interested members must apply by January 3, 2025, as space is limited, and early applications are encouraged.

This tour provides a unique learning experience for Iowa farmers, offering a glimpse into the impact of global policies on agriculture and their possible implications for U.S. farming practices.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic