President von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

Source: European Commission Spokesperson's Service  

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has today launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU’s farming and food system.

The Strategic Dialogue, announced by the President in her 2023 State of the Union address, will address challenges and opportunities raised by the participants to the Dialogue, such as a fair standard of living for farmers and rural communities, supporting agriculture within the boundaries of our planet and its ecosystems, exploiting the huge opportunities offered by knowledge and technological innovation, and promoting a thriving future for the EU’s food system in a competitive world.

Professor Peter Strohschneider has been appointed as chair, based on his longstanding experience, notably as chair of the Federal government of Germany’s “Commission for the Future of Agriculture”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The time is ripe to forge a new consensus on food and farming among farmers, rural communities and all other actors on the EU agri-food chain. EU farmers and food industry provide our citizens with healthy and high-quality food, and make a central contribution to our economy, particularly in rural areas. They are also making a tremendous effort to contribute to our collective green and digital transitions. But at the same time they are confronted with a wide range of challenges, ranging from climate change, to inflation, to volatile market impacts. With this Strategic Dialogue, we are creating a forum to deliver a clear vision for the future, to the benefit of all.”

More information is available in the press release, the questions and answers online, and the speech of the President will be available soon online as well.