The European Commission’s unveiled Vision for the Future of Agriculture marks an important moment for the sector. By placing farmers at the heart of the strategy and prioritising innovation, simplification, and sustainability, the Commission has acknowledged what the sector has long been advocating for: a more practical, forward-thinking approach that equips farmers with the tools they need to thrive.
The Challenges Are Clear — So Must Be the Solutions
European farmers face mounting pressure from all sides — climate change, global competition, shifting consumer demands, and evolving regulatory landscapes. The loss of 82 crop protection solutions since 2019, paired with slow approval processes for innovative tools, has left farmers with fewer solutions to maintain yields, protect crops, and meet sustainability targets.
The Commission’s Vision offers a timely and much-needed response. It recognises that achieving sustainability and food security requires a well-equipped, diverse toolbox — one that combines traditional and cutting-edge technologies. This is not about choosing between innovation and sustainability. It’s about leveraging innovation to deliver sustainability.
Innovation Must Lead the Way
We are encouraged by the Commission’s focus on accelerating access to biopesticides, promoting digitalisation, and supporting research and development. These commitments reflect the reality on the ground: farmers need better seeds, precision agriculture tools, and biological solutions to produce better with less — less land, less water, fewer emissions, and fewer inputs.
Digital agronomy, for instance, is already reducing conventional pesticide use and improving yields through precision application technologies. With the Commission’s dedicated digital strategy for agriculture, we now have a real chance to scale these innovations across Europe, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions that benefit both their businesses and the environment.
Equally important is the push to accelerate access to biopesticides — a vital step in diversifying pest management strategies. The current regulatory maze is slowing the introduction of new biological products. The Commission’s commitment to foster clearer regulatory pathways is a recognition that innovation shouldn’t sit on the sidelines. Farmers need these solutions now — not years down the line.
A Simplified, Science-Based Framework
The Vision’s pledge to simplify EU rules is critical. A more agile, streamlined regulatory system will enable faster access to innovative technologies without compromising safety. This balance is essential for keeping Europe’s agri-food sector competitive globally, especially as other regions, like the US, China, and Brazil, move swiftly to adopt new agricultural technologies like new genomic techniques.
However, one area of concern remains: the focus on reciprocity in trade. The EU’s hazard-based approach to crop protection contrasts with the risk-based models used by many trading partners, creating potential for unintended trade barriers. While the Commission’s commitment to an impact assessment is welcome, it is vital that Europe upholds science-based standards to avoid disrupting food imports and exports. An innovative, sustainable agricultural sector must remain globally connected.
Turning Vision into Reality
The Commission’s Vision has set the right tone — but delivering on these promises will require sustained collaboration across the agricultural value chain. As active members of the European Board for Agriculture and Food (EBAF) and the AgriFood Chain Observatory, and observers to European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response mechanism (EFSCM), we are committed to working alongside policymakers, farmers, and industry partners to ensure this Vision becomes a reality.
Innovation, simplification, and support for farmers are no longer optional — they are essential. By embracing the Commission’s renewed focus on these pillars, we can build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector that delivers for farmers, consumers, and the planet alike.
The time to act is now. Let’s make this Vision more than a promise — let’s make it a reality.
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