The man earmarked as European Commissioner for Agriculture has said he wants alternatives to live exports.

Janusz Wojciechowski, a former Polish MEP and member of the European Court of Auditors, is the chosen candidate to replace Phil Hogan, provided he receives the approval of MEPs.

On Tuesday he faced a three-hour grilling on his suitability for the role.

Wojciechowski, who wrote a Court of Auditors report on animal welfare in the EU, was asked for his opinion on live exports. He spoke about the live export of Irish cattle to the Middle East and said it was not clear why it was economically possible.

“They are transported to the seaport by truck, next across the sea to the Middle East for example ... very, very long transport ... Support farmers who produce with link with the local meat industry, the animals are not transported for the long distances, the production is for the local market. This should be the alternative that should be supported.”

He wants to support “a circular economy” for farmers producing for the local market.

The reaction to the hearing from MEPs was underwhelming and Wojciechowski is likely to be questioned again

Throughout the hearing, Wojciechowski stressed that his approach would be encouraging farmers to make changes rather than forcing them.

He said the next CAP should support farmers who protected the environment and that “environmentally friendly farming” was a big chance for small family farms.

The reaction to the hearing from MEPs was underwhelming and Wojciechowski is likely to be questioned again.

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carty described Wojciechowski’s answers about CAP resdistribution and retailer and meat processor dominance as “vague, oft-times ill-informed and insufficient to inspire the level of confidence required”.

In response to a question from Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, Wojciechowski said he was aware of recent beef protests and would visit Ireland “to ask the Irish farmers what they need”.