European Commission has developed a roadmap for changes in agriculture

On February 19, the European Commission presented the Vision for Agriculture and Food – a roadmap for the development of agriculture and food in Europe.

According to the EC, this roadmap creates the basis for an attractive, competitive, sustainable, future-oriented and equitable agri-food system for current and future generations of farmers and agri-food operators.

It is noted that the document presents further simplification of policies and increased use of innovation and digitalization, which are prerequisites for all EC actions.

“It is planned that in 2025 the Commission will propose a comprehensive package of simplifications for the current legislative framework in the field of agriculture, as well as a digital strategy for agriculture to support the transition to digital agriculture,” the statement said.

The vision outlines four priority areas.

Attractive sector. Agriculture needs to have the necessary stability to encourage young people to enter the profession, in particular through fair incomes and more targeted state support. They also need to be actively supported to take advantage of innovation and new business models, notably through carbon and natural gas credits as additional sources of income. The Commission is committed to ensuring that farmers are not systematically forced to sell their products below cost and will take concrete measures to this end, notably by reviewing the Unfair Trade Practices Directive. The Commission will also present a 2025 Generational Renewal Strategy with recommendations on measures needed at both EU and national/regional level to remove barriers preventing young and new people from entering the profession.

A competitive and sustainable sector. The EU will continue to prioritize food security and sovereignty in a variety of ways. Trade negotiations and agreements will be used to their fullest potential, protecting the interests of European farmers. The Vision also responds to demands from farmers, citizens and society at large for tighter harmonization of production standards for imported products to ensure that ambitious EU standards do not lead to an unfavorable competitive environment, but are in line with international rules. For this reason, in 2025, the EC will start taking measures to assess the impact of greater harmonization of standards when it comes to hazardous pesticides banned in the EU and animal welfare. Furthermore, strict enforcement and control of food safety standards remains a non-negotiable priority. The Commission will step up its focus on livestock to contribute to the long-term future of the sector.

A sector with a future. Europe’s agricultural sector plays an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Vision recognizes the need to align climate action with food security and the specific challenges faced by the sector. Farmers should be rewarded for adopting nature-friendly practices. In this context, the EC will carefully consider any further ban on pesticides unless alternatives are available within a reasonable timeframe and will facilitate access to biopesticides on the EU market. The Commission will also develop a voluntary benchmarking system, the “on-farm sustainability compass,” to help farmers measure and improve their performance at the farm level. A Water Sustainability Strategy will also be prepared to address the urgent need for more efficient water use.

Fair living and working conditions in rural areas. The Commission will propose a renewed Rural Action Plan to ensure that rural areas remain dynamic, functional and closely linked to the EU’s cultural and natural heritage. An annual Food Dialogue will also be launched with a wide range of stakeholders including consumers, farmers, industry and public authorities to find solutions to issues such as food accessibility and innovation. Reducing food waste and addressing societal concerns related to animal welfare will also be a focus of the Commission in the future.

“Looking ahead, the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as part of the upcoming MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) proposal, will be simpler and more targeted, supporting farmers actively engaged in food production, with a particular emphasis on young farmers and farmers in areas with natural constraints. Incentives will be given preference over conditions,” the EC summarized.

Tags: EU, agricultural sector