Opening the European Agri-Food Days via video, President Ursula von der Leyen focused on reinforcing the future of European agriculture and food. Addressing key challenges highlighted during last year's Strategic Dialogue, she contained specific proposals intended to reshape EU agricultural policy within the next 100 days.
Cutting Bureaucracy to Empower Farmers The President committed to reducing administrative burdens for farmers by introducing more flexibility, incentives, and exemptions for small farms. This move, aimed at allowing farmers to better concentrate on their work, reflects an orientation towards decreasing regulatory micro-management and increasing trust in agricultural actors.
Enhancing Farmers’ Market Position Von der Leyen announced plans to revise the Common Market Organisation Regulation and the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. These revisions seek to increase transparency on contracts and pricing, and strengthen protection for small farms against larger buyers, moving towards stronger bargaining power for the agricultural smallholders. This implies a policy shift favoring consumer protection and equitable competitiveness within agricultural supply chains.
Boosting Youth Engagement with EUR 3 Billion Investment Highlighting a decline in young farming careers, von der Leyen highlighted a EUR 3 billion investment package from the European Investment Bank targeting young farmers' access to land, finance, and fair incomes. This material support aims to incentivize youth to engage in farming, potentially impacting the agri-food sector's demographic balance.
Strategic Dialogue and Policy Continuity The creation of the European Board on Agriculture and Food will continue stakeholder engagement, providing advice on strategic initiatives, consolidating cooperation among sector representatives, and shaping future agricultural policy.
Stakeholder Impact Assessment Farmers stand to benefit from reduced bureaucratic pressures and enhanced market fairness, although larger buyers may face increased regulation. Young farmers receive targeted financial support, offering opportunities for growth but also introducing potential competition for existing producers. EU regulatory bodies will have an expanded advisory role with the new Board, implying a need for increased administrative coordination. Consumers might see longer-term benefits through more sustainable and transparent food supply chains.
Overall, von der Leyen’s speech signals a moderate but tangible shift towards reducing regulatory burdens for farmers, strengthening their market positions, and addressing youth involvement. The policy orientation balances between enhancing EU regulatory engagement in market fairness and supporting competitiveness and sustainability in agriculture.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food