Commissioner Christophe Hansen outlined his vision for the future of EU agriculture at the opening of the Internationale Grüne Woche in Berlin. His speech emphasized the need for generational renewal, proposing a roadmap focused on supporting young farmers to enter, stay, and thrive in agriculture through sufficient income, essential resources, skills, and technology adapted to climate challenges.
Generational Renewal and Competitiveness Hansen spotlighted the demographic challenge—only 12% of European farmers are under 40, with an average age near 57. He proposed that EU agricultural policy address this gap by making farming more viable economically and technologically for younger generations. He underscored the diversity of EU farms as a strength, advocating support for farms regardless of size or production type, including organic and small-scale operations.
Investment and Sustainability Acknowledging a €62 billion investment shortfall identified by the European Investment Bank, Hansen called for increased investments to drive modernization and innovation. He framed sustainability not only environmentally but also socially and economically, emphasizing farmers’ need for fair revenues to maintain production that respects environmental standards. He rejected uniform livestock reduction mandates, warning of negative biodiversity consequences in specific regions.
Fairness and Simplification Hansen stressed fair business-to-business relations and cooperation within the agri-food chain, linking this to enhanced competitiveness. He proposed a more targeted, simpler, and effective Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 with continued public financial support, aimed at facilitating sustainability transitions while ensuring food security and productivity.
International Trade and Supply Chain Resilience Highlighting the EU as the largest global agri-food exporter, Hansen emphasized the need for diversified supply chains and reliable partnerships to reduce vulnerabilities, such as dependence on fertilizer imports. He reaffirmed EU commitments to an open, rules-based trading system and humanitarian aid.
Stakeholder Impacts Farmers stand to benefit from increased financial and technological support and improved market fairness, though demands for sustainability introduce compliance challenges. Agricultural businesses may face investment requirements but gain from simplification and innovation incentives. EU consumers might see more sustainable and locally diverse products, while national authorities bear the administrative role of implementing policy simplifications and enforcement.
Hansen’s speech offers a comprehensive policy orientation toward balancing economic competitiveness, social fairness, environmental sustainability, and resilience in EU agriculture, setting the stage for detailed blueprint development in the near future.
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