EU mandate 2024-2029: A new strategy for farming and food

Europe’s young farmers welcome the announcement of President Von der Leyen to publish a new strategy for the farming and food sector, stemming from the work made by the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture. CEJA President Peter Meedendorp positively reacted to the news, adding that: “The Commission must commit to dedicating a consistent chapter of this strategy to generational renewal in agriculture, if not a dedicated Communication that would encompass all EU, national, regional and local policies, to provide better living and working conditions to young generations in agriculture. It is a vital step forward if we want to secure our collective ambitions for the future of our sector.”

Taking stock of the different areas of action put forward by political groups and announced today by the Commission’s President, young farmers want to highlight the four core priorities which, in their eyes, should drive the mandate 2024-2029 to provide sustainability pathways to EU agriculture:

1.    A balanced value chain approach, promoting decent conditions for farmers – As stated by many political groups and the European Commission President herself, the position of farmers in the value chain must be rebalanced. It is necessary not only for farmers’ income and good living conditions but also for the capacity of farmers to implement sustainability transitions. Such an approach must include a revision of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) Directive, better risk-sharing and repartition of the value across the chain, a common understanding of sustainability and improved market measures.

2.    A solid crisis management framework to reinforce the sector’s resilience – The higher frequency and intensity of climate adverse events and market disruptions make farming less and less attractive to rely on an entirely private insurance system. Therefore, the upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy must provide a better risk and crisis management framework. Young farmers also look forward to the setting up of a climate adaptation plan. Although interconnected, there was a feeling that until now, adaptation was forgotten in the face of mitigation. Regarding the strategy on water resources, CEJA had already planned a deeper reflection on water management to come up with recommendations in 2025.

3.    A climate transition toolkit, particularly financing instruments – The just transition can only happen if all actors are enabled to take it on. As young farmers still struggle to meet their financing needs despite their higher confidence in the future and willingness to invest, CEJA calls upon the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to work hand in hand to support their access to finance. Further effort must be made in skills and education, innovations and access to independent advisory services to accompany the change.

4.    A social and territorial development pact – Last but not least, enabling young people “to make the most of Europe” must come with a heightened sense of social and territorial cohesion. To make it happen, CEJA will be intransigent in the realisation of the Long-term vision for rural areas to provide perspectives to young farmers and rural youths who want to benefit from the right to stay in their rural areas and contribute to their communities.
As the European Union opens a new mandate, Europe’s young farmers are committed to playing their part in creating more sustainable, resilient, and innovative futures in agriculture and rural areas. They call on the European Parliament, Commission, and Council of the EU to match their ambitions with a consistent and forward-thinking policy strategy.