This Strategic Dialogue brings together key stakeholders from across the whole agrifood chain, including farmers, co-operatives, agri-food businesses, and rural communities; as well as non-governmental organisations and civil society representatives, financial institutions and academia. Professor Peter Strohschneider was appointed as chair position.

The Dialogue has been created as 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.

As a first result of the seven meetings of the Dialogue, on 4 September 2024, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received the final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.

The report presents an assessment of challenges and opportunities, followed by a set of recommendations. These suggestions will guide the work of the European Commission when shaping its Vision for Agriculture and Food.

The Dialogue's report considers that food and agricultural production are an essential part of European society and security, and that the diversity of European food and farming is an important asset. There is consensus among members of the Strategic Dialogue that economic, environmental and social sustainability in the agri-food sector can reinforce each other, especially when supported by coherent policy measures. The role of markets, dietary habits and innovation to drive sustainability is also pointed out.

The recommendations detailed in the report are structured in five pillars:

• Working together for a sustainable, resilient and competitive future: this part addresses the need to adapt the CAP in the context of the ongoing transition towards more sustainable and competitive food systems, the importance of strengthening of farmers' position in the food value chain, access to finance, and the role of trade and international standards.
• Advancing towards sustainable agri-food systems: the recommendations under this heading dive into the support and promotion of sustainable farming practices, including for livestock farming, and advocate for increased awareness about animal welfare and empowerment of consumers to choose sustainable and balanced diets.
• Promoting transformative resilience: in the face of growing environmental, climate, geopolitical and economic risks, the report outlines the need to strengthen risk management tools and crisis management as well as to better preserve and manage farmland, promote water-resilient agriculture, and develop innovative plant breeding approaches.
• Building an attractive and diverse sector: the importance of generational renewal and gender equality as well as vibrant rural areas and agri-food systems is detailed in this section, including the need to protect workers.
• Better access to and use of knowledge and innovation: the recommendations conclude that access to knowledge and skills must be facilitated, and that digitalisation is an opportunity.

The report produced by the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture is addressed to the European Commission, the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders.

Read the complete report here.