Is the EU’s ‘new vision for agriculture’ bold enough to protect farmers?

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) welcomes the European Commission's proposal to strengthen the bargaining position of farmers in food chains. However, it calls for more ambition in the Common Agricultural Policy. The New Vision on Agriculture and Food, the European Commission's roadmap for reform presented last February, was the subject of a plenary debate at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 27 March, with the participation of Christian Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture.

“The Vision for Agriculture and Food is our clear, targeted response to widespread calls from the agri-food sector to shape a future that is competitive, resilient, fair, and attractive for generations to come,” said Commissioner Hansen. “We can only achieve this goal by working with all parties involved across the agri-food chain, with a clear role for social partners and civil society with their vital link between Europe’s people and its institutions. We rely on the continued support of the Economic and Social Committee in the months ahead so that we turn the Vision into reality, for the benefit of Europe’s farmers, food industry, consumers, and rural communities.”

EESC President Oliver Röpke noted that the Vision aligns with many key recommendations of the EESC. “It recognises the crucial role of all actors of the EU agri-food chain in ensuring the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. In several cases, the EESC’s proposals have gone even further than the Vision,” he said.

EESC members welcomed the Commission’s announcements to strengthen the bargaining position of farmers and fishers in the supply chains, to increase transparency in resolving their disputes with buyers, and to prevent systematic below-cost selling. “Written contracts with renegotiation clauses will enhance transparency and strengthen farmers' position in the agri-food chain,” stressed Stoyan Tchoukanov, rapporteur for the EESC’s opinion on strengthening the producers’ position in the negotiation and conclusion of contracts.

The Commission also promises to strengthen the food policy dialogue, and a holistic approach to supply chains, sustainable food production, and healthy and sustainable diets could lead to better and more stable times for consumers and producers in Europe. "Strengthening cooperation between authorities without creating legal uncertainty is a first step in supporting our farmers and the internal market," said Emilie Prouzet, rapporteur for the EESC's opinion on new rules on cross-border enforcement against unfair trading practices.

As highlighted during the debate, the New Vision for Agriculture and Food’s commitment to a new EU-wide risk and crisis management framework is in line with EESC opinions calling for strengthened risk and crisis management tools in the face of market, environmental, and climate challenges, as well as for strategic food reserves.

Furthermore, the Commission's forthcoming strategy for generational renewal aligns with EESC recommendations on supporting young farmers, ensuring access to land, supporting investment, developing skills, and strengthening rural infrastructure.

On the negative side, while the Commission proposes a much-needed simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy, it does not take up the EESC's ideas on shifting towards replacing the current area-based basic income support with financial incentives that reward environmental and social benefits rather than compensation. It is also weak on the commitment to enforceable reciprocity on production standards for goods imported from outside the EU. Furthermore, the New Vision for Agriculture and Food does not fully address the EESC's concerns about excessive market concentration in food supply chains and the harmful effects of financial speculation on food prices.

The EESC, as emphasised in its plenary debate with Commissioner Hansen, remains a key ally in ensuring that the Commission's vision is translated into concrete policies that serve the interests of EU farmers, fishers, food producers, workers, and consumers. Through continued engagement, the EESC will work to maximise the impact of civil society in shaping the future of EU agriculture and food systems.