The European Commission is trying to make farming and food’s future more optimistic, as it outlines a new long-term strategy to boost the industry’s value.
The European Commission’s long-term vision for Europe’s agri-food sector paints a mixed picture.
How valuable is EU farming?
On one hand, farmers and food makers provide safe, high-quality food to 450m Europeans, generating €900bn in added value. It also employs 30m people, equating to 15% of total EU jobs.
But, just 12% of EU farmers are under 40, with projections suggesting Europe won’t have enough farmers left to sustain and grow the industry by 2040.
Some of the initiatives identified to turn the sector’s fortunes around include a revamp of the Common Agricultural Policy, prioritising support for active farmers and young entrants essential to food.
There’s also a need to address the power imbalance within the food supply chain. The report acknowledges farmers’ arguments that food manufacturers can squeeze farmers on price, forcing them to sell below production costs.
Incentivising farmers to make positive change
Farmers will also be incentivised to hit EU targets around decarbonisation, with a shift in perspective that would see farmers as part of the solution and not the problem.
Europe is ever aware of a reliance on imports, so the new vision strategy talks up the importance of homegrown food and feed, linking it to health benefits as well as environmental and economical benefits.
The report also addresses a need for a narrative shift on domestic procurement, citing a requirement for public and business procurement to look at the value of products and not monetary value alone.
