The European Commission has presented its vision for the EU’s agriculture and food industry, including a goal to ensure farmers are not forced to sell produce below production cost.
The body described its strategy as “an ambitious roadmap” for farming and food in Europe.
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“This roadmap sets the stage for an attractive, competitive, resilient, future-oriented and fair agri-food system for current and future generations of farmers and agri-food operators,” it said.
Later in 2025, the Commission will propose a package that includes simplifying its policies and increasing innovation and digitalisation.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said: “Our farmers take centre stage in the EU’s food production system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of us have safe and high-quality food. Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change. That is why today, we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes farming more attractive, more resilient and more sustainable.”
The public body’s “vision” outlines priority areas: enticing young people to choose the sector as a profession; making the sector more competitive and resilient, giving advantage to EU farmers in trade negotiations; prioritising nature and water-friendly, low-carbon impact practices and improving the living and working conditions of farmers.
International food awareness organisation, ProVeg the plan misses the mark on driving real change in the EU food system and lacks concrete steps and a clear plan for meaningful progress.
The public body said the vision falls short of proposing robust policy actions to address critical challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities.
“These issues not only threaten farmers’ livelihoods but also jeopardize the EU’s long-term food security. Yet, the document offers only tentative steps rather than decisive action,” ProVeg said.
Lucia Hortelano, Senior EU policy manager at ProVeg International said: “While the Vision contains some positive elements, like the revision of public procurement rules and the need for further innovation, it ultimately tries to please everyone and fails to push for the bold reforms needed to create fairer and more sustainable food supply chains in the EU.”
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food said the new roadmap will make the sector more sustainable and attractive for young people to join as a profession.
He also suggested the plan allows the EU to further efforts in combating climate change.
“Food and farming are vital for Europe’s people, economy and society. We need the agri-food sector to flourish and compete in a fair global marketplace, with enough resilience to cope with crises and shocks,” he said.
“We must also ensure our own food sovereignty, given the risks and vulnerabilities of today’s fast-changing world. The roadmap we are presenting today sets out the path for tackling the many pressures that EU farmers face”
The next iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be simpler and more targeted, with more support towards farmers who actively engage in food production and with a particular focus on young farmers and natural farms, the European Commission sid in its statement.
