At the invitation of the President of the European Commission both Copa and Cogeca presidents took part in the launch day of the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in Brussels.
Copa and Cogeca share, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, a sense of urgency regarding the need to find concrete and operational solutions for agriculture. Many challenges lie ahead of us, whether it be the effects of climate change, the competitiveness of our farms, the need for decent income, the reduction of administrative burden and generation renewal, all of which will become more acute in the years to come.
Today, our organisations have also voiced the expectations of farmers that are protesting across the EU. In the current context, this dialogue is crucial, timely and it will carry expectations.
Agriculture was considered essential during the covid, strategic since the war in Ukraine and vulnerable because of the impact of climate change. We need to give it the weight it deserves in the EU political agenda.
This morning’s meeting marked the start of a new process, the conclusions of which can only be drawn in the summer when the chair, Professor Strohschneider, will submit his final report. Meanwhile, our organisations will be taking an active part in the various thematic meetings, in accordance with the principles presented by the European Commission.
European farmers and agri-cooperatives call for informed discussions, rooted in factual information, scientific evidence, and expertise starting on the ground of all participating stakeholders. This approach is crucial for attaining a positive outcome and rebuilding trust among institutions and farmers.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
