The European Commission has unveiled its Vision for Agriculture and Food, outlining a roadmap for the EU’s agri-food sector through 2040. Farming and food production, deeply intertwined to Europe’s heritage, are not only economic cornerstones but essential to sustainability and resilience. The EU’s strategy aims to keep the sector both competitive and fair while strengthening its capacity to provide stable food supplies in the long run.
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Agriculture supplies high-quality food to 450 million people and supports 30 million jobs. However, farmers face mounting pressures from volatile markets, shifting consumer demands, and regulatory burdens. Trade disruptions and environmental concerns add to the uncertainty. To secure the sector’s future, the EU is pushing for reforms, investment in technology, and a stronger focus on sustainable land management. With effective policies that reward good practices and approaches tailored to specific needs, there is potential to reduce emissions, increase productivity, and enhance carbon removals in soils and forests.
As stated in the vision, soil health is indispensable for productive agriculture, yet years of intensive use have depleted its quality across many regions. To address this, the EU is promoting improved land management through initiatives such as “A Soil Deal for Europe.” Practices like crop diversification, organic farming, and reduced tillage are encouraged to maintain soil fertility, enhance water retention, and support carbon storage. The future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will assess how best to support farmers in adopting these sustainable practices while ensuring profitability.
The Commission’s strategy also reinforces food security by strengthening crisis preparedness across the supply chain. In particular, the European Food Security Crisis Mechanism (EFSCM) will be expanded and integrated into broader crisis management efforts. Plans include strengthening coordination, developing food reserves, exploring joint procurement, and increasing transparency during disruptions.
However, long-term food security also depends on reducing vulnerabilities in agricultural production, particularly regarding fertiliser availability. Rising costs and import dependencies have made this a growing concern, prompting the Commission to explore alternative solutions such as nutrient recycling and low-carbon fertilisers. At the same time, improved fertilisation techniques and sustainable farming practices are being promoted to lower emissions, enhance resilience, and harmonise stable food supplies in the face of climate challenges.
With this ambitious vision in mind, collaboration between EU institutions, national governments, and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural future.
More information available at:
Vision for Agriculture and Food - https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/vision-agriculture-food_en
European Commission - https://commission.europa.eu/topics/agriculture-and-rural-development/future-agriculture_en