Agrifood strategy launch, Newsletter

Watch out for the European Commission’s upcoming communication, set to be unveiled on Wednesday, outlining a vision for Europe’s agri-food system in 2024.

This paper is expected to replace the much-criticised 'Farm to Fork' strategy. However, a leaked draft of the document last week has left many underwhelmed, as it appears far from ambitious despite its high-sounding title. 

For instance, much of the content expected to be announced—such as EU strategies for protein production and farmers’ generational renewal—has already been in circulation for some time.In the leaked document, the Commission acknowledges that several topics remain sensitive and struggle to gain societal consensus, particularly concerning livestock and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

While the document demonstrates goodwill in addressing the critical issue of ensuring a fair standard of living for Europe’s agricultural community, its approach to farming subsidies is particularly disappointing.

It lacks fresh ideas and instead reiterates old, yet unrealised, proposals such as degressivity and capping—measures aimed at making subsidy distribution fairer by allocating more funds to small farmers and less to large agricultural enterprises.

On the other hand, the document suggests a stronger policy stance on Europe’s strategic autonomy by prioritising the production of essential agricultural products to enhance food sovereignty.

A key principle of the next CAP will be then directing more support toward farmers who actively contribute to food security—a position influenced by the centre-right European People's Party, to which both Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are affiliated.

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