Moving from words to action is never a given, but the European Commission’s “Vision for Agriculture and Food” sets an ambitious course for the future of European agriculture.
Presented in Brussels by Commissioner Christophe Hansen, this long-term strategic vision aims to make EU agriculture more competitive, resilient, and future-oriented while ensuring fair conditions for farmers and the broader agri-food sector.
A Roadmap for Agricultural Transformation
The vision, which looks ahead to 2040, does not specify economic resources but lays the groundwork for significant structural changes. The European Commission has outlined key actions, starting with a comprehensive simplification package for agricultural legislation and a digital strategy for agriculture in 2025. These steps aim to modernize the sector and streamline operations, helping farmers adapt to new challenges and technologies.
The Key Pillars of the Vision
The vision rests on three core pillars:
1. A Competitive and Resilient Agricultural Sector
- Ensuring fair competition for EU farmers in the global market
- Proposing simplification measures to reduce bureaucratic burdens
- Establishing a long-term plan for sustainable livestock farming
2. A Future-Proof, Sustainable Agri-Food System
- Strengthening environmental protections while balancing productivity
- Accelerating the approval and use of biopesticides
- Launching a tool to measure sustainability progress
- Implementing a Water Resilience Strategy to optimize water use
3. Enhanced Food Production and Rural Development
- Updating the EU Rural Action Plan
- Reforming animal welfare regulations
- Reducing food waste and promoting fair labor conditions
These measures will set the stage for the post-2027 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which currently accounts for 33% of the EU budget, totaling EUR 387 billion in the 2023-2027 cycle.
Leadership Perspectives
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that EU farmers are central to the bloc’s food production system and must be supported in facing global competition and climate challenges. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto reinforced the commitment to revitalizing rural areas while fostering sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. Commissioner Hansen highlighted the need to ensure food sovereignty, improve sector resilience, and attract younger generations to agriculture.
A Shift in Agricultural Policy Direction
The new vision marks a shift away from the Green Deal’s previous approach, which some critics argued was overly restrictive for farmers. Italy, represented by Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, has expressed strong support for the new strategy, viewing it as a fundamental course correction that aligns agricultural policy with economic and social priorities. The minister stressed the importance of translating these strategic goals into concrete legislative reforms, including CAP revisions, trade rules, and regulatory adjustments.
Industry Reactions and Challenges Ahead
European agricultural organizations have largely welcomed the Commission’s proposals. Massimiliano Giansanti, president of Confagricoltura and Copa, praised the emphasis on economic sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness. Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini and General Secretary Vincenzo Gesmundo, while supporting the vision, cautioned against potential funding reallocations that could weaken CAP’s financial stability. Fedagripesca Confcooperative President Raffaele Drei noted the positive shift in recognizing farmers as environmental stewards rather than obstacles to sustainability.
Conclusion: Turning Vision into Action
The EU’s new agricultural vision presents a transformative roadmap for the sector, aiming to balance economic viability, environmental responsibility, and rural development. While the broad consensus around these objectives is promising, the challenge now lies in implementing policies that deliver tangible benefits for farmers and the food supply chain. The upcoming CAP reforms and regulatory adjustments will be critical in ensuring that this vision translates into meaningful action for European agriculture.
Source: WineNews