Building on the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture report, and in consultation with the European Board for Agriculture and Food, the Vision aims to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the EU's farming and food sector. 

The impact and significance of the EU Agriculture report are linked to the Commission's commitment to systematically ensuring farmers are not forced to sell their products below production costs. The Commission will also take concrete action to that end, including through the review of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive.

The Vision also responds to the requests of farmers, citizens, and society for a more substantial alignment of production standards for imported products. This will guarantee that the EU's ambitious standards do not lead to competitive disadvantage while in line with international rules. 

In addition, the vision recognises the need to reconcile climate action with food security and the sector's specific challenges. 

As the target audience, farmers and the Agri-food operators should be rewarded for adopting nature-friendly practices. 

Interestingly, the Vision outlines the following four priority areas:

• An attractive sector

• A competitive and resilient sector

• A future-proof sector

• Fair living and working conditions in rural areas

Looking ahead, the future common agricultural policy (CAP), as part of the upcoming MFF proposal, will be more straightforward and more targeted. Support will be more directed towards farmers who actively engage in food production, focusing on young farmers and those farming in areas of natural constraints. Incentives, rather than conditions, will be favored.

The expected outcomes and the future actions can be summarized as follows:

- The Commission will start taking steps in 2025 to assess the impact of greater coherence in standards regarding the hazardous pesticides banned in the EU and on animal welfare. Additionally, the rigorous enforcement and control of food safety standards remain a non-negotiable priority. The Commission will reinforce its focus on livestock to foster the sector's long-term future.  

- The Commission will carefully consider any further ban on the use of pesticides if alternatives are not available within a reasonable time and will streamline access to biopesticides in the EU market. 

- The Commission will also develop a voluntary benchmarking system, the ‘on-farm sustainability compass,' to help farmers measure and improve their farm-level performance. 

- A Water Resilience Strategy will also be prepared to address the pressing need for more efficient water use.

The Commission will develop an updated Rural Action Plan to ensure that rural areas remain vibrant, functional, and deeply linked to the EU's cultural and natural heritage.  

- An annual Food Dialogue will also be launched with a broad range of actors, including consumers, farmers, industry, and public authorities, to find solutions for food affordability and innovation. 

- The Commission will also look closely at reducing food waste and addressing societal concerns about animal welfare.

Later in 2025, the Commission will propose a comprehensive simplification package for the current agricultural legislative framework and an EU digital strategy for agriculture to support the transition to digital-ready farming.

Balazs UJVARI - Spokesperson

Phone: +32 2 29 54578

Mail: balazs.ujvari@ec.europa.eu

Thérèse LEREBOURS - Press Officer

Phone: +32 2 29 63303

Mail: therese.lerebours@ec.europa.eu

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations

COM/2025/75 final