EU considers agriculture as a strategic sector - Vision for a sustainable future

A farmer operates agricultural machinery in a field in Ankara, Türkiye, April 23, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

During the recent meeting of the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries in Brussels (Belgium), ministers discussed the new vision for the agriculture and food sector, which was announced by the European Commission (EC) last February.

The ambitious new vision for the EU's agriculture sector focuses on four key areas, aiming to make farming more attractive to young people who will play a key role in securing the future of the sector.

The vision aims to improve the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector, helping European businesses to withstand the volatility of global markets and ensuring that European agriculture is in line with future trends; while also promoting improved living and working conditions in rural areas, where many communities depend on agriculture.

Notably, the EU vision highlights the need for climate action in agriculture and calls for adjusting direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support fairer incomes and reward farmers who work with nature.

EU member states have expressed support for the new vision, which considers agriculture a strategic sector and encourages young people to choose farming as a career.

The EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries also appreciates the focus on ensuring decent incomes for farmers and improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

Polish Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, said that Poland fully supports the objectives set by the EC in its vision for agriculture and food development. However, the EU needs to prepare a separate and appropriate budget for the CAP and have farmers themselves actively participate in the policy-making and implementation process. Any relevant decisions must be made in consultation with and with the input of those directly involved in the agricultural sector.

EU ministers also stressed the need to maintain a stable budget for the CAP, continue to support rural areas and combat unfair competition in international trade . The CAP should ensure a basic income for farmers, in addition to finding new sources of income from the bioeconomy. Other priorities include cutting red tape, promoting technological innovation and ensuring a balance between economic, social and environmental development.

The vision is taking very cautious steps towards creating a fairer and more sustainable EU food supply chain, experts say. It includes some positive elements such as a commitment to stronger enforcement of green laws and financial incentives for farmers, but it needs to provide clear direction for the transformation of the EU food system.

Notably, the vision places emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the livestock sector, announcing the development of a long-term strategy to create an excellent livestock production chain. In shaping policy pathways for the sector, the European Commission will consider the “ecological footprint” (the impact of production activities on the environment) and improving nutrient management.

However, experts say there is still a need to come up with a plan to cut back on synthetic fertilizers and policies to support access to more sustainable and healthy food.

Agriculture accounts for 11% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions and is considered to be able to contribute to the bloc’s climate goals. Therefore, the EU’s vision is expected to shape a sustainable and equitable future for European agriculture.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/eu-coi-nong-nghiep-la-nganh-chien-luoc-tam-nhin-cho-tuong-lai-ben-vung-post867936.html