Document type: press release published on the website of the European Commission
Author: European Commission
Preview: Today, the Commission is presenting its Vision for Agriculture and Food, an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe. 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. Simplifying further our 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. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: "Our farmers take center 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 outlines four priority areas:
- An attractive sector: (...)
- A competitive and resilient sector: (...)
- A future-proof sector: (...)
- 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 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.
Link to factsheet (pdf)
