The European Commission initiated a “strategic agricultural dialogue” to corral stakeholders into forging a shared vision for the future of the agriculture and food sector in the EU until 2024. First promised in September by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the dialogue is happening amidst agriculture mobilizations across various EU countries.
The agricultural dialogue will unite key stakeholders from the agri-food chain including farmers, cooperatives, agri-food businesses, and rural communities. Representatives from non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and universities will join the dialogue, alongside the Council and the European Parliament.
A series of thematic meetings will be hosted till mid-2024 as part of this strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture, tackling challenges like establishing fair living standards, supporting agriculture within ecosystems and leveraging opportunities presented by knowledge and technological advancements.
German academic Peter Strochschneider, chair of the talks, has emphasized that the agricultural dialogue should aim at balancing economic, ecological, and social interests. Von der Leyen underscored the need for a consensus on food and agriculture, emphasizing the crucial contributions of farmers and the food industry. This forum will serve as a route towards a clear vision for the future benefitting all.
