European Commission establishes new board for agricul­ture and food

The European Commission has established the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF), a key step stemming from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. The board, chaired by Commissioner Christophe Hansen, aims to create an open and sustainable environment for dialogue between food chain stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the Commission. The first meeting will take place on 4 February.

A broad spectrum of participants

The selection process for EBAF’s members has been completed, resulting in a group of 30 organizations. These represent three key categories: the farming community, other actors within the food chain, and civil society organizations, including environmental, animal welfare, and consumer groups. Efforts have been made to ensure a balanced composition reflecting both expertise and geographical diversity within the EU. The full list of participating organizations is available in the Commission’s official registry.

Advising and connecting

EBAF’s main task is to provide strategic advice on developments within EU agriculture and food policies. Additionally, the board facilitates the exchange of experiences and promotes coherence between EU policies and private sector initiatives. It also supports the preparation of policy proposals and can provide specific advice at the Commission’s request.

This new advisory board fits within the Commission’s broader vision, as outlined by President Von der Leyen during her State of the Union address in September 2023. The Strategic Dialogue, launched in January 2024, brought together key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, civil society, rural communities, and academia to develop a shared vision for the future of farming and food systems within the EU. EBAF complements existing advisory groups and provides additional input from various sectors, allowing the Commission to further refine its policies.

Agriculture.ec.europa.eu