The EU would reform the common agricultural policy

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The report was prepared by around thirty experts in the framework of the so-called strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the European Union, which began in January this year in response to the series of agricultural protests that broke out in several EU countries. Based on the recommendations of the report, the European Commission will be tasked with developing a new agricultural policy. The experts advise, among other things, that subsidies from CAP sources should be directed to the “most needy farmers” based on income, and not paid based on the size of the land owned. The document emphasizes that the current system of direct payments is hardly related to the socio-economic needs of farmers, and therefore, instead of the area-based support that defines the current system, it should be based on the “viability” of the economic activity of individual farmers.

The proposals also include a unique loan package to be provided by the European Investment Bank to the agricultural sector

The report draws attention to the need to promote the resilience of the agricultural sector. It outlines the means by which to act in the face of growing environmental, climatic, geopolitical and economic risks for the preservation of agricultural lands, for agriculture that is more resistant to floods, and for innovative plant breeding. The experts also advise that the EU rethink its trade negotiation strategy and take into account the “strategic importance of agriculture and food products” and review the impact assessments of trade agreements. The European Commission should also create a consultation platform to promote dialogue between agricultural and environmental actors.

Experts add that a new agricultural strategy needs to be developed as soon as possible to avoid leaving the sector

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, emphasized at the press conference presenting the report on September 4 that the report outlines “consensus” solutions. “However, we know that our farmers face many and growing challenges, from very tough global competition to the devastating effects of climate change,” he said. “The report points out that we need to do more to protect our farmers and to make the agri-food system more flexible, more competitive, but above all more sustainable,” he stated. The chairman of the committee highlighted the need to ensure a fair and sufficient income for farmers, while at the same time supporting the creation of a common agricultural policy that is sustainable and offers a solution to mitigate the effects of climate change. “This can only be done with an effective system of rewards and incentives,” declared Ursula von der Leyen, who said that she will present the commission’s roadmap for agricultural policy reform in the first 100 days of the new body.

MTI