Strategic dialogue instead of a European Green Deal?

In January 2024. a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the European Union (EU) has been launched. This new forum is expected to be crucial in developing a common vision for the future of EU agriculture and the food system.

The strategic dialogue, chaired by German scientist Professor Peter Strohschneider, involved NGOs, food producers, the agricultural, scientific and environmental communities, as well as representatives of the banking sector.

In early September this year. The European Commission (EC) received the final report of the participants in the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the European Union, entitled A Common Perspective for Agriculture and Food in Europe. It contains bulleted indications and guidelines on various areas of agriculture. The report is addressed to the European Commission, the European Parliament, member states and stakeholders.

General context of the strategic dialogue participants’ report

The recent agricultural protests, which covered virtually all of Europe, have initiated discussions and work on the future of agriculture within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue. The effort, launched in January 2024, is intended to respond to the protests and criticism of the European Green Deal.

September 4, 2024. Ursula von der Leyen received the final report of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture from the group’s chairman. It is to be used by the Commission to further discuss with member countries the future of agriculture and spending in the perspective of the Common Agricultural Policy(CAP).

The report describes the need for a change in the approach to direct payments, greater emphasis on achieving environmental goals, moving away from animal protein consumption, integrating agriculture into the ETS system, fighting unfair trade practices, or equalizing professional and development opportunities for rural women.

Strategic dialogue – pillars

The report A Common Perspective for Agriculture and Food in Europe assesses the challenges and opportunities, followed by a set of recommendations. The report’s recommendations are based on five pillars:

1. Working together for a sustainable, resilient and competitive future.
2. Striving for sustainable agri-food systems.
3. Promoting transformational resilience: with increasing environmental, climatic, geopolitical and economic risks, the report stresses the need to strengthen risk and crisis management tools, as well as to better protect and manage agricultural land, promote water-scarce resilient agriculture, and develop innovative plant breeding strategies.
4. Building an attractive and diverse sector.
5. Improved access to and use of knowledge and innovation.

The European Commission will be guided by the report’s recommendations in its work on a vision for EU agriculture and food systems.

Recommendations, conclusions and goals developed by members of the strategic dialogue

1. increase sustainable agricultural practices

It was pointed out that the functioning of the agricultural sector in the area of protection and restoration of climate, ecosystems and natural resources, including water, soil, air, biodiversity and landscapes should be guaranteed. It is recommended to promote agrobiodiversity, improve nutrient management and advance decarbonization.

2. adaptation of the Common Agricultural Policy to the needs of the

The future CAP should focus on three main objectives:

• Providing socio-economic support to farmers;
• promoting practices that are positive for the environment, but also for the welfare of animals, thus benefiting society;
• Creating favorable development conditions for rural areas.

The CAP is to operate on the basis of rewards and incentives for the pro-environmental measures implemented, rather than restrictions. It is proposed that financial support for environmental and climate measures should increase for two consecutive periods of the CAP, and funds should be allocated to eco-programs, agri-environmental programs and climate instruments.

In order to maintain the economic viability of farmers, the CAP should provide active income support in a more targeted manner that prevents agricultural abandonment. In addition, it is important to focus on the needs of small farms with mixed production, young farmers, and those operating in disadvantaged areas.

3 Continue efforts to better conserve and manage farmland, water resources and develop innovative breeding techniques in crop production

The need to set a legally binding target of no net agricultural land use by 2050 is indicated, as well as measures to facilitate the adaptation of agriculture to changing climate and environmental conditions, promotion, investment and practices where water-scarce and less resource-intensive agriculture can be developed.

4. empowering farmers in the food chain

It is important to verify the transparency of the activities of food chain actors, combat unfair trade practices (implementation of Unfair Trade Practices), price monitoring, mediation between large commercial entities and farmers.

5 Financing the transition – public and private capital

The CAP should establish a Temporary Fair Transformation Fund to supplement support for rapid transformation and sector stability. The European Investment Bank, which identifies agriculture and the bioeconomy as one of its key priorities, should implement a specific package of group loans for the sector.

6. promote sustainable development and EU competitiveness in trade policy

Stronger leadership is needed in reforming global trade policy.

7. making choices for health and sustainable action

Providing sustainable food conditions, a balanced, healthy and affordable diet. Measures are proposed to build a balance between animal and plant protein consumption.

The need to secure measures to increase food affordability for lower-income consumers through social and fiscal policies is indicated.

8. promotion of risk and crisis management

It is essential to implement risk management tools, link investments to this and provide better access to agricultural insurance.

9. reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture

The need for a combination of policies, incentives and regulations is indicated, which will include:

• Creating a comprehensive methodology for determining greenhouse gas emissions, a system for accounting for emissions and setting emissions targets for different types of agriculture and its structural conditions;
• Accelerate the implementation of appropriate measures and promote access to investment throughout agriculture to get closer to the EU’s established reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions.

10. implementing a new approach to implementing sustainable development

It is proposed to launch an EU-wide system in agriculture and food systems to facilitate the comparison of different aspects of sustainability, goals and ambitions (e.g., biodiversity, nature protection and restoration, greenhouse gas emissions, reduction or sequestration, pollution reduction, increased animal welfare, improved water quality or working conditions) to promote a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

11. creation of a pathway for sustainable livestock production in the EU

It is proposed to develop a strategy on the role of animal husbandry based on scientific evidence and consultation with all stakeholders.

12. building an attractive and diverse sector

Strengthen generational exchange in the agri-food sector. Facilitate land mobility.

13. better access to and use of knowledge and innovation

It is necessary to develop public-private partnerships and increase investment in research and innovation, and consulting will be crucial in this process.

14. management change and new culture of cooperation

The European Commission should establish a European Agricultural and Food Council. Agri-Food (EBAF). The new platform, formed by the agri-food industry, actors in the chain, civil society organizations and scientists, should define the necessary implementation strategies.

What is needed is the development of smart administration, the implementation of solutions and the reduction of unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.