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The EU's agri-food sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, generating €900 billion in added value and providing nearly 30 million jobs. However, with only 12% of farmers under 40, the sector needs to attract younger generations.
The European Union has unveiled a comprehensive plan to ensure the agricultural sector remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient. This ambitious roadmap aims to meet future challenges, including climate change, global competition, and an aging farming workforce, while fostering innovation, sustainability, and fairer conditions for farmers.
The EU's agri-food sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, generating €900 billion in added value and providing nearly 30 million jobs. However, with only 12% of farmers under 40, the sector faces a pressing need to attract younger generations.
The plan recognises farmers' essential role in ensuring food security and high-quality food production. Key priorities include ensuring farmers earn fair incomes, attracting young people into agriculture through a Generational Renewal Strategy, and ensuring fair living and working conditions in rural areas.
To enhance Europe's food security and resilience, the plan proposes diversifying trade partnerships, aligning production standards for imported products with EU regulations, and investing in research and digital technologies.
A major focus is ensuring agriculture supports the EU's climate targets by adopting innovative, sustainable practices, implementing a Climate Adaptation Plan, and protecting biodiversity.
Potatoes, a staple crop in European agriculture, are central to the EU's food security and agricultural landscape. The plan will benefit potato cultivation through sustainable farming practices, innovation, and technological advancements, ensuring its continued success.
The plan also emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent food system, reconnecting consumers with the food they eat, promoting short supply chains, strengthening local economies, and increasing consumer awareness of sustainable and locally produced food.
The EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food provides a practical framework for addressing the key challenges facing the agricultural sector. By focusing on fairer conditions for farmers, sustainable practices, and innovation, the plan aims to help ensure the long-term stability and resilience of Europe’s agriculture. While challenges such as climate change, market pressures, and an aging workforce remain, the Vision offers a structured approach to help the sector adapt and grow.