Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission, on February 19, 2025, published its long-term “vision” for the EU agriculture and food policy. It set out initiatives for a sector that has been at the center of political demonstrations, trade tensions and regulatory issues.
Christophe Hansen, the European Agriculture Commissioner paper outlines a roadmap via 2040, pledging better conditions for farmers, fairer supply chains, and a revision of sustainability policies.
“Food and farming are vital for Europe’s people, economy and society. We need the agri-food sector to flourish and compete in a fair global marketplace, with enough resilience to cope with crises and shocks,”
Hansen stated.
How will the EU’s 2040 agriculture plan impact farmers and rural communities?
The new Vision of the European Commission for Agriculture document outlines four “priority areas”:
- An attractive sector;
- A competitive and resilient sector;
- A future-proof sector;
- Fair living and working conditions in rural areas.
In order to make the sector more attractive, the commission stated farming must have the necessary stability to inspire young people to enter the profession, including through fair earnings and better-targeted public support.
“They also need to be actively supported to reap the benefits of innovation and new business models, including from carbon and nature credits, as complementary sources of income,”
The Commission stated.
Supporting farmers
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) February 19, 2025
Feeding all Europe
Building a future for generations to come
Today, we present an ambitious roadmap for agriculture and food in Europe until 2040.
Our vision values producers and food, paving the way for a future where sustainable growth benefits everyone ↓
The Commission also said it is dedicated to guaranteeing that farmers are not compelled to systematically market their products below production costs. It will take substantial action to that end, including via the reexamination of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive.
The Commission also says that it will propose a Generational Renewal Strategy for agriculture in 2025, with proposals on measures required both at the EU and national/regional levels to manage the obstacles to young and fresh people entering the profession.
Remarking on the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated:
“Our farmers take centre stage in the EU’s food production system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of us have safe and high-quality food.
“Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change. That is why today, we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes farming more attractive, more resilient and more sustainable.”
