EU presents future vision for agriculture and food

The European Commission has presented its Vision for Agriculture and Food: a roadmap for an attractive, competitive, resilient, and fair agri-food system. With this plan, the EU aims to future-proof the agricultural sector and support both current and future generations of farmers and food producers.

Farmers at the heart of food production

According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, farmers are the backbone of Europe’s food system. “It is thanks to their daily efforts that we have access to safe and high-quality food,” said von der Leyen. At the same time, farmers face significant challenges such as global competition and climate change. The Commission is therefore focusing on fair incomes, targeted support, and additional income opportunities, for example through carbon and nature credits. It also aims to prevent farmers from consistently selling below production costs and will review the Unfair Trading Practices Directive to address this. In 2025, a Generational Renewal Strategy will follow, designed to encourage young farmers to enter the profession.

Food security and fair competition

The EU continues to prioritise food security and sovereignty. Trade agreements should support European farmers while ensuring stricter scrutiny of production standards for imported goods. Starting in 2025, the Commission will assess the impact of more consistent regulations, particularly concerning banned pesticides and animal welfare. Strict controls on food safety will remain non-negotiable, with extra focus on securing the long-term future of livestock farming.

Sustainable farming and digital transition

Agriculture plays a key role in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Farmers who adopt nature-friendly practices should be rewarded. The Commission also plans to simplify access to biopesticides and will introduce a voluntary assessment tool—the on-farm sustainability compass—to help farmers measure and improve their performance. In 2025, an EU-wide digital strategy for agriculture will be launched, alongside a Water Resilience Strategy to promote more efficient water use.

View the factsheet ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food’
Ec.europa.eu