In September 2024, the European Union launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of agriculture and food systems in the context of environmental, economic, and social change. With contributions from 29 major stakeholders, including members from agriculture, civil society, rural communities, and academia, this report lays out the groundwork for transforming the European agri-food system over the next 10-15 years.
This article will explore the key findings and recommendations of the report, focusing on its vision for the future, the political principles guiding change, and the actionable steps proposed to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and competitive future for agriculture in Europe.
The Triple Crisis: Climate, Biodiversity, and Pollution
At the heart of the report is the acknowledgment of the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. European agriculture is both a contributor to and victim of this crisis, highlighting the need for an urgent and comprehensive transformation. Extreme weather events, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss are already threatening agricultural productivity and food security, while unsustainable practices continue to exacerbate environmental degradation.
The report emphasizes that agriculture can play a pivotal role in mitigating these issues by adopting more sustainable practices. However, this requires a delicate balancing act between environmental goals and the socio-economic realities faced by farmers, rural communities, and stakeholders across the agri-food value chain.
Vision for the Future: Thriving Within Planetary Boundaries
The Strategic Dialogue envisions a European agriculture that, by 2035-2040, will thrive within planetary boundaries. The future European food system is expected to provide safe, affordable, and nutritious food while simultaneously protecting and restoring the environment. European farmers will reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, and the region's agri-food input industry will shift toward more sustainable products.
Key components of this vision include:
Climate-neutral farming: European agriculture will contribute significantly to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and adopting circular farming models.
Diverse farming models: A rich diversity of business models and farming practices will ensure resilience, with a particular focus on small- and medium-sized farms.
Food security and sovereignty: Europe will ensure food security by balancing imports with local, sustainable production, ensuring resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties.
Attractive rural areas: Rural areas will flourish with modern infrastructure, employment opportunities, and thriving communities, attracting younger generations to agriculture.
Guiding Political Principles: Ten Foundations for Change
To achieve this vision, the report outlines ten guiding political principles that provide a roadmap for the future of EU agriculture. These principles address the complex trade-offs between environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social justice.
1. The Time for Change is Now
The report underscores the urgency of addressing the climate and environmental crisis. Bold, swift action is necessary to transition to a sustainable agricultural system that remains competitive while reducing its environmental footprint. Delays in action will only increase the cost of transitioning, both environmentally and economically.
2. Cooperation Across the Food Value Chain
Achieving sustainability requires a collective effort involving all actors in the food value chain, from producers to consumers. Policies must promote cooperation, dialogue, and inclusivity to ensure that the costs and benefits of the transition are shared equitably.
3. Policy Coherence
Current agricultural, food, and environmental policies often contain contradictions and conflicting objectives. Coherent policy-making is essential to creating an enabling environment for sustainable practices. This requires breaking away from silo-thinking and fostering synergies across sectors.
4. Agriculture as a Strategic Component of European Security
The report emphasizes the role of agriculture in Europe's geopolitical strategy, especially in light of global trade disruptions and the weaponization of food supply chains. A resilient agricultural system is essential to ensuring food security and stability.
5. Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers
Generational renewal is crucial to the sustainability of European agriculture. The report calls for policies that attract young farmers by improving access to land, capital, education, and advisory services. Support for diverse farming models will enhance resilience and sustainability.
6. Aligning Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability
Sustainable farming systems must be economically viable. The report advocates for the internalization of both negative and positive externalities in food production, with targeted financial tools and ecosystem services payments rewarding sustainable practices.
7. Market-Driven Sustainability
The report argues that markets should incentivize sustainable practices by accurately reflecting the true cost of food production, including its environmental and social impacts. Transparency in the food value chain and fair remuneration for farmers are critical to driving sustainability.
8. Harnessing Technology and Innovation
Technological advancements and innovations in farming practices, such as digitalization, precision agriculture, and plant breeding, must be leveraged to accelerate the transition to sustainability. Independent advisory services will be key in helping farmers adopt these innovations.
Recommendations for Action
In addition to the guiding principles, the report offers several actionable recommendations to facilitate the transition:
1. Strengthening Farmers' Position in the Food Chain
Farmers must be empowered to cooperate, reduce costs, and secure fair prices for their products. The report advocates for policy interventions to address unfair trading practices and strengthen farmers' bargaining power.
2. A New Approach to Sustainability
The report calls for a new benchmarking system to assess farm-level sustainability across the EU, promoting transparency and accountability. A harmonized methodology for sustainability assessments will enable comparisons and facilitate improvement.
3. Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
The CAP must be restructured to better support small and mixed farms, young farmers, and those in disadvantaged regions. Financial incentives should be linked to environmental outcomes, promoting ecosystem services beyond basic compliance.
4. Financing the Transition
Both public and private capital will be required to finance the agricultural sector’s sustainability transition. A Just Transition Fund and European Investment Bank initiatives will play a crucial role in mobilizing resources for large- and small-scale farmers.
Conclusion
The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture presents a comprehensive roadmap for transforming European agriculture and food systems to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By focusing on sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness, the report lays the groundwork for a future in which farming, food production, and environmental protection coexist in harmony. The recommendations and guiding principles offered serve as a call to action for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders across Europe to work together toward a more sustainable and just food system.
The time for change is now, and with collective action, European agriculture can thrive within the limits of our planet while ensuring food security for generations to come.
Commenti