In a significant development for the future of European agriculture, the final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture (SDA) was officially delivered today to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This marks a crucial milestone in shaping a new EU agri-food policy that prioritizes innovation and competitiveness as key drivers of both economic and environmental sustainability.
The SDA, launched by President von der Leyen in January, has been a platform for intense discussions over the past six months. Chaired by Professor Peter Strohschneider, the dialogue brought together representatives from 30 diverse stakeholder organizations, including financial institutions, farmer organizations, industries, and NGOs. The comprehensive report, spanning over 100 pages, captures the breadth of views and varying opinions within the group.
During a joint press conference, President von der Leyen emphasized the report’s significance as a foundation for the “vision for agriculture” she first announced during the early days of her Commission. This vision aims to chart a new course for EU agricultural policy, balancing the needs of sustainability with economic growth.
Euroseeds was represented on the SDA by its President Michael Gohn and provided both its general views to the discussions and its specific expertise in relation to the potential of plant breeding and other innovative technologies for a better future for Europe’s agriculture.
There was clear agreement that agriculture and food are of strategic importance for Europe. This is an important achievement of the SDA itself and sets a new baseline for the EU. But we also must acknowledge that quite diverging views remain on what policy choices Europe should make in re-shaping its approach to agriculture. As Euroseeds, we remain convinced that new technologies, innovative products and services hold much potential to enable a truly competitive and sustainable European agri-food sector. Freeing that potential will require concrete policy choices and consequent regulatory action during this new Commission term. We hope that today marks the start of a transition that we expect to become much more concrete in the “Vision for Agriculture” announced by President von der Leyen, von Essen summarised.
