The European Commission has presented its Vision for Agriculture and Food, aiming to strengthen the EU's farming and agri-food sector. While previous policies have faced criticism for prioritizing environmental goals, FEFAC has welcomed the focus on sustainable livestock and protein production. This roadmap strives to balance sustainability, fair market conditions, and food security.

The European Commission has introduced its Vision for Agriculture and Food, a strategic roadmap aimed at making the EU farming and agri-food sector more competitive, resilient, and sustainable. The plan prioritizes simplification, digitalization, fair incomes, and environmental sustainability to secure the future of European agriculture. The initiative comes after years of fierce criticism from farmer organizations, who argue that past policies prioritized green ambitions at the expense of the sector’s competitiveness. In this context, FEFAC has expressed support for the Commission's renewed focus on competitiveness and sustainability, highlighting the importance of a stable and resilient livestock sector. The federation also welcomes the roadmap's attention to addressing Europe’s dependency on imported feed protein, which remains a critical issue for EU feed production.

Under the umbrella of the released roadmap, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the significance of farmers, stating: "Our farmers take center stage in the EU’s food production system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of us have safe and high-quality food. Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change. That is why today, we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes farming more attractive, more resilient and more sustainable."

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

A VISION FOR STABILITY, COMPETITIVENESS, AND SUSTAINABILITY

The roadmap is built around four main pillars:

• Attractiveness and fair incomes: The Commission aims to improve farm incomes, prevent unfair trading practices, and introduce a Generational Renewal Strategy in 2025 to encourage young farmers. Farmers will also be supported in benefiting from carbon and nature credits as additional income sources.

• Competitiveness and resilience: Trade policies will better protect EU farmers' interests, while stricter import standards on pesticides and animal welfare will be assessed to prevent unfair competition. Food safety enforcement remains a priority.

• Sustainability and innovation: Farmers will be rewarded for nature-friendly practices. The Commission plans to streamline access to biopesticides and introduce an on-farm sustainability compass for performance measurement. A Water Resilience Strategy will also address growing water management challenges.

• Rural development and food security: An updated Rural Action Plan will promote vibrant rural areas. A new Food Dialogue will bring together farmers, consumers, and industry to address food affordability, waste reduction, and animal welfare concerns.

Christophe Hansen

Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, highlighted the roadmap’s role in securing food sovereignty and ensuring agriculture remains attractive: "We must ensure our own food sovereignty, given the risks and vulnerabilities of today's fast-changing world. The roadmap will make the sector more sustainable and help agriculture remain an attractive and remunerative profession."

Looking ahead, the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will focus on simplifying regulations and directing support to active farmers, particularly young ones and those in challenging environments. Incentives will be favored over restrictive conditions to promote sectoral growth.

Raffaele Fitto

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, underlined the broader vision: "The Vision is our resolute response to the agri-food sector's call for action—shaping a future that is competitive, resilient, fair, and attractive for generations to come."

FEFAC SUPPORTS COMMISSION’S VISION

FEFAC has expressed strong support for the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food, particularly the renewed focus on livestock and its long-term sustainability. The federation acknowledges the Commission's commitment to fostering a competitive and resilient agri-food system, addressing the vital challenges faced by the agricultural sector. FEFAC also welcomes the inclusion of a dedicated vision for livestock, highlighting its role in the future of European agriculture.

The roadmap’s attention to Europe’s dependency on imported feed protein resonates with FEFAC, as the federation continues to call for actions to boost EU protein production. FEFAC’s members remain dedicated to supporting the transition of the livestock sector toward more sustainable practices through advanced feeding techniques, contributing to enhanced competitiveness and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

CORDERO CALLS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Pedro Cordero
FEFAC President

FEFAC President Pedro Cordero highlighted the importance of technological advancements in feeding strategies, which are pivotal in helping the livestock sector reduce emissions and improve sustainability. He emphasized the role of circularity and bioeconomy in agriculture, urging the Commission to recognize the contribution of circular feed in livestock production.

As a member of the European Board for Agriculture & Food (EBAF), Cordero will continue advocating for the European compound feed and premix sector’s contribution to the sustainable farming goals outlined in the Commission’s Vision. He also underscored the vulnerabilities faced by European feed production, especially its reliance on essential feed additives, vitamins, and amino acids.