Final report of the Strategic Dialogue Group on the Future of EU Agriculture presented

Announced by the President of the European Commission in her State of the Union address on 13 September 2023 and launched in January 2024 , the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Farming brought together 29 key stakeholders from the European agri-food sectors, civil society, rural communities and academia to reach a common understanding on the development of a central area of European life and economy in a new format of political discourse . On 4 September , the group’s president, Peter Strohschneider, presented the final report in a document which, under the title “ A shared perspective for agriculture and food in Europe”, offers an analysis of the challenges and opportunities, accompanied by several suggestions .

The members of the Strategic Dialogue group sought a conceptual consensus that would open up new perspectives for agriculture, food and rural areas on the continent, drafting a set of policy principles and recommendations . They considered the diversity and complexity of agri-food systems (which include all economic and civil society actors, from primary production to consumption and waste recycling). The final report of the Strategic Dialogue serves as a guideline for creating socially responsible, economically profitable and environmentally sustainable agri-food systems. It is addressed to the European institutions, in particular the European Commission, and to the Member States.

The Dialogue emerges at a time of significant societal transformations that also affect agri-food systems, which are under pressure from the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution . In addition, global political and economic tensions have aggravated the challenges faced by European societies, including farmers and agri-food sector actors. Decisive actions are therefore required to meet these challenges and design a transition towards more resilient, sustainable, competitive and fair agri-food systems .

The future of agriculture in the EU

The Strategic Dialogue recognises that the transition inevitably involves conflicting interests and complex trade-offs that can only be resolved through engagement. It proposes ten key policy principles to guide this transition, highlighting the urgent need for change, the importance of cooperation along the food value chain, and the strategic role of agricultural and food production in the current geopolitical context. It also highlights the importance of young people in agriculture and the diversity of European food systems as key assets. It underlines that economic, environmental and social sustainability are interdependent and that markets must foster sustainable value creation. Furthermore, it highlights the need to harness technology and innovation to achieve more sustainable agri-food systems, alongside the adoption of healthy and balanced diets. Finally, it emphasises that maintaining attractive rural areas is essential for food security, the future of society and democracy.

A more cooperative and participatory agri-food system in the EU

This Dialogue lays a solid foundation for a new culture of cooperation and participation, with the common goal of a more sustainable and resilient agri-food future in Europe.

Key recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture working group

Key recommendations include:

1. Strengthening the position of farmers in the value chain : Fostering cooperation to reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve incomes.
2. Implement a new approach to achieving sustainability : Through a harmonised sustainability assessment system across the EU.
3. Reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) : To make it fit for future challenges, focusing on supporting farmers who need it most.
4. Financing the transition : Mobilizing public and private capital, including a Just Transition Fund.
5. Promoting sustainability and competitiveness in trade policy: The European Commission must review its agricultural negotiating strategies. Strong leadership is required in reforming the global trade framework.
6. Facilitate healthy and sustainable food choices: The EU should promote food environments that encourage healthy and sustainable diets, rebalancing consumption towards plant-based proteins.
7. Improving sustainable agricultural practices: Urgent action is crucial to ensure that agriculture respects planetary boundaries, supporting organic production and agroecological practices, reducing inputs such as mineral fertilizers and pesticides . A fund to restore natural habitats is proposed.
8. Reducing GHG emissions in agriculture: The EU should implement policies to reduce agricultural emissions, with clear incentives and regulations. It is suggested to assess the feasibility of an emissions trading system in the sector.
9. Creating pathways for sustainable livestock farming in the EU: The EU should develop a livestock farming strategy based on sound science, supporting technological solutions and promoting the circular economy.
10. Preserve and better manage agricultural land: The EU should set a target of “net zero land take” by 2050, facilitate agricultural adaptation to climate change and promote innovation in plant breeding to cope with difficult conditions.
11. Risk and crisis management in agriculture: There is a need to improve risk management on farms through coherent policies and access to agricultural insurance, as well as reforming the agricultural reserve to better manage catastrophic crises.
12. Creating an attractive and diverse agricultural sector: Generational renewal in the agri-food sector should be encouraged with financial support and education. Improving working conditions and addressing gender inequality are key to attracting new workers.
13. Better access to and use of knowledge and innovation: Innovation is key to the agri-food transition. It is essential to facilitate access to knowledge, foster public-private partnerships and promote digitalisation and social innovation in the sector.

14. Change in governance and cooperation: A new European Agri-Food Council is proposed to coordinate sustainable policies in the sector, reducing bureaucracy.

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FULL REPORT