Innovation and technology, pillars of food security and sovereignty in the EU

Ensuring food security and sovereignty for the European Union in a global context marked by geopolitical, climatic, and economic uncertainty has become a strategic priority. This was made clear at the recent extraordinary meeting of the European Union's Agriculture Ministers in Brussels , held on January 7 at the initiative of the European Commission and the Cypriot Presidency, which addressed the main challenges and opportunities facing the European agri-food sector.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has defended the need to rebuild the European agricultural sector's trust in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as an essential condition for guaranteeing competitiveness, food security, and the future of the European agri-food system . "We must preserve the CAP as an engine for building and modernizing Europe," Planas emphasized. For this reason, Planas insisted that the CAP must once again be at the heart of European integration and demanded that the sector receive at least the same level of funding as in the previous period, through a clear and understandable system for farmers.

The meeting began with a clear message: agriculture is not only essential for food supply, but also for economic competitiveness , employment , territorial cohesion , and the resilience of rural areas . In this context, innovation and technology are becoming key tools for strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and ensuring sustainable and robust food systems.

One of the central themes of the debate was the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as an engine of stability and investment. The combination of financial and political instruments will allow for continued support of farm income, boost investment capacity, and improve risk management, facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions , digital technologies, and more efficient farming practices. This approach is essential for farmers and rural communities to adapt to an increasingly complex and volatile environment.

Innovation is also key to reducing strategic dependencies , especially in critical areas such as fertilizers . The Commission is committed to strengthening European production, improving market transparency, and promoting the use of alternative and recycled nutrients , opening the door to technological developments linked to the bioeconomy and more sustainable production models. These measures not only contribute to food security but also reduce the sector's vulnerability to external crises.

At the same time, the EU emphasizes the importance of maintaining the global competitiveness of the agri-food sector by ensuring a level playing field and clear standards for imported products. Harmonizing standards, strengthening controls, and implementing traceability supported by digital tools are fundamental to protecting producers and consumers, while also fostering confidence in European food.

Technology also plays a crucial role in crisis prevention and management , from market monitoring to combating animal diseases and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. The Commission plans to continue promoting support mechanisms, as well as specific sectoral strategies—such as the one planned for livestock—that integrate innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer.

In short, the message from Brussels is clear: the EU's food security and sovereignty depend on a more innovative, digital, and resilient agriculture, supported by robust public policies and an AKIS ecosystem capable of connecting research, advice, technology, and farming practice. This approach is essential to ensuring the future of the European agri-food system in an increasingly uncertain world.