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Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy, CAP has evolved through several amendments to keep in line with the latest developments in the sector; the CAP for 2023-2027 marks the sixth version of the policy. In the beginning of 2024 a new “strategic dialogue” on CAP’s future started; the dialogue, according to the organizers, has helped to “form a holistic and societal approach to addressing the EU’s environmental, climate, economic and socio-political goals”.
Background
In the EU governance, actions related to agricultural policy are taken in “shared cooperation” by the EU institutions and the member states’ governance: at the EU level, it is the common agricultural policy, CAP – the oldest policy in operation in the area. The CAP’s aims include ensuring a stable supply of food, safeguarding farmers’ income, protecting the environment and keeping rural areas vibrant. Launched in 1962, the CAP has evolved through several amendments to keep in line with the latest developments in the sector; the CAP for 2023-2027 marks the sixth version of the policy.
More recently, in light of various challenges faced by farmers and others working in the agricultural sector, the EU is working on different measures to: a) combat unfair trading practices in the sector, b) ease the administrative burden faced by farmers, and c) provide support to farmers in the case of exceptional weather events.
At the beginning of the year, the EU also launched the “Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture” to develop a common, collective vision for the future of EU farming. The dialogue brought together tens of major stakeholders from the European agro-food sectors, civil society, rural communities and academia to “reach a common understanding and vision” for the future of EU’s farming and food systems.
The dialogue concentrated on four main issues:
= providing farmers in the member states, as well as the rural communities “a better perspective with a fair standard of living”;
= supporting agriculture within the boundaries of global and European ecosystems;
= better use of the immense opportunities offered by increased knowledge and technological innovation;
= promoting e a bright and thriving future for Europe’s food system in a competitive world?
Up to August 2024, seven plenary meetings were organised for the members of the strategic dialogue; in addition, the group’s chair (prof. Strohschneider) requested input from the EU-wide organisations active in the food supply chain. He also has had discussions on the agro-future with the member states’ agricultural ministers, the EU Commissioners, members of the European Parliament and representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Source and reference: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_4528
The published report and suggestions
The dialogue’s report (published on 4 September 2024) considers that food and agricultural production are not only the essential part of European society and security, but that the diversity of European food and farming is an important asset. There is consensus among members of the strategic dialogue that economic, environmental and social sustainability in the agri-food sector can reinforce each other, especially when supported by coherent policy measures. Besides, the role of markets, dietary habits and innovation to drive sustainability is also pointed out.
The recommendations detailed in the report are structured in five pillars:
= Working together for a sustainable, resilient and competitive future: this part addresses the need to adapt the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, CAP in the context of the ongoing transition towards more sustainable and competitive food systems, the importance of strengthening of farmers’ position in the food value chain, access to finance, and the role of trade and international standards.
= Advancing towards sustainable agri-food systems: the recommendations under this heading dive into the support and promotion of sustainable farming practices, including for livestock farming, and advocate for increased awareness about animal welfare and empowerment of consumers to choose sustainable and balanced diets.
= Promoting transformative resilience: in the face of growing environmental, climate, geopolitical and economic risks, there is a need to strengthen risk management tools and crisis management as well as to better preserve and manage farmland, promote water-resilient agriculture, and develop innovative plant breeding approaches.
= Building an attractive and diverse sector: the importance of generational renewal and gender equality as well as vibrant rural areas and agri-food systems are specified, including the need to protect workers.
= Better access to and use of knowledge and innovation: the recommendations conclude that access to knowledge and skills must be facilitated, and that digitalisation is a viable opportunity to modernise agro-sector in the member states.
More in: ttps://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/main-initiatives-strategic-dialogue-future-eu-agriculture_en
Citations
“The outcome of this Strategic Dialogue shows that it is possible to move beyond a polarized debate and create trust among very diverse stakeholders. The Commission will now take a careful look at their ideas. We all want a thriving food and farming sector in Europe that rewards our farmers, citizens and precious natural heritage. With this report, we have a very solid foundation for the development of a new vision for food and farming in Europe. As we go forward we should keep the good spirit, energy and the relationships forged during the Strategic Dialogue”.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
“After seven months of intensive work, the members of the Strategic Dialogue agreed on a shared conceptual consensus for the future of farming and food in Europe, through a new culture of mutual understanding and communication. These joint perspectives, agreed by a diverse and representative group of stakeholders in this sector, form a holistic and societal approach to addressing the EU’s environmental, climate, economic and socio-political goals. It is my profound hope that the energy, ingenuity and collegiality of the Strategic Dialogue can be maintained for similar purposes in the future”.
Prof. Peter Strohschneider, Chairman of the Strategic Dialogue
The concluding recommendations and suggestions will guide the work of the European Commission when shaping its Vision for Agriculture and Food, to be delivered in the first 100 days of President von der Leyen’s second mandate. The Commission will closely assess the present report’s recommendations to establish a new platform gathering actors from across the agri-food sector, civil society and the world of science to keep reflecting on strategies to make agri-food systems more sustainable and resilient.
More information in the following Commission’s web-links: = A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe: final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture; = Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.