Juan Corbalán.- A year has passed since the new European Commission launched its ‘Vision for the Future of European Agriculture and Food’ at the launchning of the 2025–2029 political mandate.
This document, presented on 19 February 2025, marked a significant political shift compared to the previous cycle, effectively replacing the controversial ‘Farm to Fork’ Strategy.
Twelve months later, a calm reflection on the progress created is warranted. It is clear that agriculture has returned to the centre of European policy. The Commission delivered a distinct message: agriculture is strategic and forms the backbone of a stronger European Union.
While this may seem obvious, it was not so in the previous mandate, during which the agricultural sector—particularly livestock—faced ongoing pressure from the Commission and certain political groups, under claims that it was not sufficiently sustainable. At one point, there was even consideration to exclude livestock sectors from European promotion policies, an initiative that was eventually halted.
The Vision is structured around four objectives aimed at fostering a sector that is attractive, competitive, resilient, sustainable (economically, socially, and environmentally), and equitable. After one year, much remains to be accomplished, but significant relocatements have occurred.
Objectives and Progress
The first objective, to be attractive, directly addresses the profitability of farms and generational turnover. Brussels has acknowledged a fundamental truth: without decent income, there will be no young people in farming. Thus, the Generational Renewal Strategy and the Bioeconomy Strategy aim to enhance income for farmers through their activities.
Additionally, the establishment of the Food Chain Observatory and the publication last December of the evaluation report on the current European directive on unfair trading practices open the discussion on value distribution. In 2026, the Commission plans to amfinish this directive, which has significant implications for farmers and their cooperatives, and a public consultation is already underway.
Other initiatives set for this year to implement this objective include launching a platform for women in agriculture to promote their inclusion and establishing a European land observatory to address one of the primary obstacles for young people and women: access to land.
A special mention must be created of the livestock sector, which has finishured numerous attacks in recent years. Today, the approach is radically different. The Commission launched the Livestock Workstream in 2025, facilitating dialogue with the European sector and Member States to discuss sector challenges. A European Livestock Strategy is being prepared for the second quarter of 2026. The message now is unequivocal: this sector is crucial for the EU.
Competitiveness and Resilience
Regarding the second objective of competitiveness and resilience, the Commission sees the third CAP Omnibus Package as part of it (an initiative already in effect), alongside published Omnibus packages for environmental regulations and plant health issues, such as modifications to the regulation on the authorisation of plant protection products. This aspect is vital for Spanish agriculture, necessitating special attention due to the lack of plant protection tools in the EU that hinder agricultural productivity and profitability.
A particular emphasis within the competitiveness objective is on initiatives regarding reciprocity, which marks a political shift from the previous European mandate, where this topic was taboo in European institutions.
The Commission has announced increased border controls, a future working group on reciprocity, and a regulation to ban the importation of products that exceed residue limits for the most hazardous substances.
While much still requireds to be done in this area, the Commission has started to take action, considering that differing positions exist among Member States and organisations (including agricultural groups) who may view these initiatives as trade restrictions unfavourably.
Sustainability
Concerning the third objective of sustainability, the Commission believes it is essential to shift from an obligation-driven approach to one based on incentives, promoting market-oriented solutions. Last year, the Commission published the Water Resilience Strategy—an essential topic for Spanish agriculture—as well as a roadmap for carbon credits, which holds great potential for farmers, and approved the Carbon Capture Certification Regulation to establish a system that rewards farmers for their activities.
By 2026, the Commission intfinishs to evaluate the Nitrates Directive and develop the On-Farm Sustainability Compass, initiatives aimed at assisting farmers assess and improve the sustainability of their farms, with the goal of providing a practical tool to measure their environmental, social, and economic performance.
Finally, regarding the fourth objective of equity, the Commission’s initiatives are based on the CAP reform proposed last year, which suggests that payments be tarreceiveed towards those deemed most in required, such as young people, women, tiny farmers, and mixed operations, among others.
Furthermore, in 2026, the Commission plans to publish European Strategies on Digitalisation and Innovation, as well as an Action Plan to promote Protected Geographical Indications across Europe.
In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge that the efforts of the Commission over the past year in agricultural matters represent a clear departure from the previous mandate. Taking into account various viewpoints, agriculture has returned to the strategic agfinisha of the Commission.
This shift must be understood within the context of the ongoing war in Europe, global trade tensions, climate crises, and mass agricultural protests across several Member States, which have voiced the concerns of those who work tirelessly every day to ensure the best food supply and keep rural areas alive.
Consolidating Change
The Commission has taken note. However, the consolidation of this alter is now essential. If agriculture is strategic, its policy must also reflect this importance.
However, there is an important “but.” The proposal regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework disrupts the specificity of the CAP, potentially diluting it amid the myriad actions that Member States may undertake at various levels. Furthermore, it undermines the European approach that has always characterised the CAP, a concern raised by the Court of Auditors itself.
Beyond the Financial Framework and the CAP, three specific aspects require concrete solutions in 2026. The first is the food chain, where a challenging debate is anticipated regarding the review of the current European directive. The second concerns the reciprocity of trade exalters, which converge various interests. The third is improving the availability of active substances to combat pests—a priority issue for farmers who are hopeful that European institutions will heed their concerns within the context of the SANTE Omnibus debate.
Leave a Reply