Brussels: More than Waffles and Chocolate

By Stacy Blomquist

LSU Ag Leadership Class XVIII

Cortni Bell, Ag Leadership Program Specialist, views the 3-D model of the European Union locations at the Parlamenatrium.

When you hear “Brussels,” what comes to mind? Do you think of the vegetable, as in Brussels sprouts? Maybe you think of Jean-Claude van Damme, the “Muscles from Brussels.” Or maybe your mind goes to the food of Belgium, like their waffles, chocolates, and French fries. Brussels is known for all these things, but it is also the de-facto capital of the European Union (EU).

Class XVIII had the opportunity to tour the Parlamentarium located in Brussels during its international trip. This museum-like-experience allows visitors to learn about the European Parliament through interactive exhibits, beginning with a tour through European history and integration. It was very sobering to view the photographs from the World Wars which tore Europe apart and devastated the countries.

Early pioneers of the European Union knew it was vital to restore peace and stability to Europe and their dream was eventually realized on November 1, 1993. Now, the 27 countries which comprise the EU work closely together to maintain peace, stability and prosperity for all European Union nations.

Class XVIII member, Matt David, and his wife, Catherine, experience the 360-degree-view of Europe and its Parliament.

After touring the Parlamentarium, Class XVIII was privileged to listen to Martin van Driel, Director of Policy Perspective and a member of the European Commission. Would you care to guess the size of the average farm in the European Union? We were surprised to learn it is about 42 acres, or 17 hectares. (For reference, the average farm size in Louisiana is 323 acres.)  We learned many interesting facts about the challenges the EU faces in establishing agricultural policies, many of which are the same issues we face in the United States, such as labor, emissions, loss of land, and economic pressures.

I found the presentation to be very thought-provoking, giving me much to think about on this trip. But that is why we have these experiences – to broaden our understanding of the world, gaining valuable global perspectives that will help shape us as agricultural leaders in our own state and communities.