The European Commission has presented its Vision for Agriculture and Food, a roadmap for the future of farming and food in Europe.
The vision is not a policy document but will inform the general direction of regulation and legislation.
The roadmap sets the stage for what the EU calls, “An attractive, competitive, resilient, future-oriented and fair agri-food system for current and future generations of farmers and agri-food operators.”
The Commission says that simplifying policies and increasing the uptake of innovation and digitalisation are pre-requisites to all actions outlined in the vision.
Later in 2025, the Commission will propose a comprehensive simplification package for the current agricultural legislative framework, along with an EU digital strategy for agriculture to support the transition to digital-ready farming.
The vision says that, farm payment reforms under the common agricultural policy, (taking effect from 2027) will be “simpler and more targeted”.
It says, “As a general principle, future CAP support will therefore be more directed towards farmers that actively engage in food production, towards the economic vitality of farms and the preservation of our environment. The approach should also consider prioritising production of agricultural products which are essential for the EU’s strategic autonomy and resilience.”
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 Vision for Agriculture and Food outlines four priority areas:
An attractive sector
Farming must have the necessary stability to encourage young people to enter the profession, including through fair incomes and better-targeted public support. They also need to be actively supported to reap the benefits of innovation and new business models, including from carbon and nature credits, as complementary sources of income.
The Commission is committed to ensuring that farmers are not forced to systematically sell their products below production costs, and will take concrete action to that end, including through the review of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive.
The Commission will also present a Generational Renewal Strategy in 2025, with recommendations on measures needed both at the EU and national/regional level to address the barriers to young and new people entering the profession.
A competitive and resilient sector
The EU will continue to prioritise food security and sovereignty in various ways. Trade negotiations and agreements will be used to their full extent, while protecting the interests of European farmers.
The vision also responds to the requests of farmers, citizens and society at large for a stronger alignment of production standards for imported products to guarantee that the EU’s ambitious standards do not lead to competitive disadvantage, while in line with international rules. For this reason, the Commission will start taking steps in 2025 to assess the impact of greater coherences in standards when it comes to the hazardous pesticides banned in the EU and on animal welfare.
Additionally, the rigorous enforcement and controls of food safety standards remains a non-negotiable priority. The Commission will reinforce its focus on livestock to foster the long-term future of the sector.
A future-proof sector
Europe’s agricultural sector plays an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The vision recognises the need to reconcile 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 Commission will carefully consider any further ban on the use of pesticides if alternatives are not available in a reasonable time and will streamline access to biopesticides in the EU market.
The Commission will also develop a voluntary benchmarking system, the ‘on-farm sustainability compass’, to help farmers measure and improve their farm-level performance. A Water Resilience Strategy will also be prepared to address the pressing need for more efficient water uses.
Fair living and working conditions in rural areas
The Commission will come forward with an updated Rural Action Plan to ensure that rural areas remain vibrant, functional, and deeply linked to the EU’s cultural and natural heritage.
An annual Food Dialogue will also be launched with a broad range of actors, including consumers, farmers, industry and public authorities to find solutions for issues such as food affordability and innovation.
Reducing food waste and addressing societal concerns for animal welfare will also be closely looked at by the Commission going forward.
Looking ahead, the Commission says, the future common agricultural policy (CAP), as part of the upcoming MFF proposal, will be simpler and more targeted, with support more directed towards farmers who actively engage in food production, with a particular focus on young farmers and those farming in areas of natural constraints. Incentives, rather than conditions, will be favoured.
However, European NGOs have called the Commission’s vision “timid”, and say that, “in trying to please everyone, the European Commission has failed to address critical issues”.
WWF’s sustainable food policy officer, Giulia Riedo, said, “The vision is taking very timid steps towards creating fairer and more sustainable EU food supply chains. It includes a few positive elements, such as a commitment to a stronger enforcement of green legislation and financial incentives for farmers who go beyond existing environmental requirements. Yet, in trying to please everyone, the European Commission has failed to address critical issues, such as the necessary increase in environmental payments, as agreed in the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture.
“As a result, we are left with a vague roadmap for transforming EU agriculture. We need a clear path to transition to an EU food system that works with nature, ensuring long-term stability for our farmers and helping make sustainable, healthy food more affordable.”
Marilda Dhaskali, Senior EU Agriculture Policy Officer at BirdLife Europe, said, “[The] vision fails to address the pressing threats to our agri-food system. By neglecting to enforce vital environmental laws and continuing to funnel subsidies to the wealthiest landowners, this plan sidelines the very farmers who steward our landscapes. Without decisive action to restore nature and adapt to climate realities, Europe’s food security hangs by a thread. Our farmers deserve a visionary roadmap, not a rehash of failed policies.”