Subscribe here: [ Ссылка ] EU farmers are the backbone of Europe’s food self-sufficiency, and vital drivers of jobs and sustainable growth in rural areas. They are making a central contribution to our collective green transition. At the same time, they face challenges, such as climate change and a competitive global market. They have shown remarkable resilience throughout a pandemic, an energy crisis, the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and high inflation.
Thanks to Europe’s agri-food sector, 450 million people have access to safe, healthy, and affordable food.
Launch of the Strategic Dialogue
In the face of mounting challenges, the EU is seeking the best ways to support EU farmers, and adapt EU agriculture policies, with their needs in mind.
To deliver on this, as promised in her State of the Union speech in September 2023, President von der Leyen has launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture.
The European Commission is bringing together farmers, local food store owners, European retailers, consumer organisations, environmental groups, financial institutions, and academia to share ideas and listen to farmers’ needs.
Professor Peter Strohschneider has been appointed as chair of the Dialogue, based on his longstanding experience, notably as chair of the Commission for the Future of Agriculture of the Federal government of Germany.
The first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture, is taking place on 25 January 2024.
Purpose of the Dialogue
The Dialogue is crucial for developing a joint understanding of the future EU farming and food system. It will tackle the following challenges and opportunities:
How can we give our farmers, and the rural communities they live in, a better perspective, including a fair standard of living?
How can we support agriculture within the boundaries of our planet and its ecosystem?
How can we make better use of the immense opportunities offered by knowledge and technological innovation?
How can we promote a bright and thriving future for Europe's food system in a competitive world?
The Dialogue will be an opportunity to hear the perspectives, ambitions, concerns and solutions of farmers and other key stakeholders from across the agri-food chain, with the aim to find a common ground for the future of the Union’s agri-food sector.
The European Commission has already launched a 5-year support system for farmers in the form of a new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 2023. This received €300 billion in funding and includes stronger incentives to help our farmers adopt more sustainable and more resilient practices. Farmers will be paid extra for their yield if they also store carbon.
In their CAP strategic plans, Member States are directing stronger levels of support to those who need it most. For example, more than 10% of EU direct payments, representing €4 billion annually, will be re-allocated to smaller farms. We have also increased emergency support for natural disasters and price shocks.
In 2023 alone, Europe provided exceptional assistance of over €500 million to farmers most affected by crises.
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#eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #agriculture #farmers #protests #inflation #fuels #climatechange #climate #climateaction #climatecrisis
