Technological innovation is the focus of Luis Planas' speech at the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers.

At the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers held on July 15, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas , called for the European Union (EU) to maintain its level of ambition in food innovation , both in production processes and in food.

Technology and generational change in the agricultural sector

Technological innovation, along with the incorporation of young people, are key elements for the future of the agricultural sector and the progress of rural areas in Europe , the minister asserted. Planas affirmed that Spain, along with many other Member States, is committed to advancing regulations on new gene editing techniques because they are essential for improving the productivity and competitiveness of agricultural production in Europe. He cited as an example that in a climate change scenario, these techniques would allow for the development of plants and seeds that are better adapted to water stress or more productive.

The minister recalled that during the Spanish Presidency, significant progress was made on the proposal document presented by the European Commission in July of last year, and a qualified majority was nearly achieved. He urged the Council to maintain its ambition and continue along these lines to complete the process. He emphasized that this is not about genetically modified organisms, which are specifically and very strictly regulated in the EU, but rather about applying genome editing techniques, the results of which are equivalent to those obtained through conventional plant breeding methods.

Innovation to maintain the competitiveness of the Spanish countryside

The Council also discussed the viability of rural areas, and the Spanish minister emphasized the need to invest in innovation and the incorporation of young people as key tools to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural production. A modern, profitable, and efficient agri-food sector is the best guarantee for social cohesion and the future of rural areas, the minister stated.