European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received today the report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, which was launched in January this year. This report is the result of months of discussions among 29 agri-food stakeholder organisations, who agreed to work together to support the sustainability transition of the agri-food value chain.
EuroCommerce Director-General Christel Delberghe, who represented Europe’s retail and wholesale in the Dialogue, commented: “This report recognises the huge diversity and critical importance of the agri-food chain in Europe’s economy and society. Together we have agreed on a future vision, guiding principles and detailed recommendations for the sustainability transition. Collaboration is key to enacting change and now we need to build on this achievement to deliver lasting change.’’
According to EuroCommerce, discussions were intense but remained constructive. The Dialogue brought all relevant actors in the EU agri-food system around the table to address key challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical turmoil, farmers’ incomes, generational renewal, and the need to support consumers in making more sustainable and healthier choices.
EuroCommerce was a key voice in calling for maintaining a market-oriented EU agriculture system in a strong competitive Single Market, where the principle of contractual freedom in commercial relations is preserved. This should be complemented by a Common Agricultural Policy supporting those most in need and a set of measures to mobilise finance for the transition.
Christel Delberghe also highlighted that retailers and wholesalers are committed to building on existing collaboration initiatives that reward farmers for their investments in the sustainability transition and to pursuing efforts to help consumers make more sustainable and healthier choices.
“We strongly encourage the European Commission, Parliament and member states to use these recommendations as a basis for future policymaking, including the new European strategy for agriculture and the food sector, and to support the continued spirit of open dialogue that has prevailed over the past months”, concluded Christel Delberghe.