Wednesday's report has been prepared as a response to the many farmer protests that took place throughout Europe during the winter and spring.
We must and will do more to protect our farmers and make the agricultural and food sector more resilient and competitive, but above all, more sustainable, says EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference.
The work has been led by German professor Peter Strohschneider and has primarily involved various agricultural and food organizations, as well as the European Investment Bank and the environmental group Birdlife.
The result is summarized in ten guidelines, the first of which states that "it's time for change now". Key phrases include the need for more cooperation, that economic and environmental sustainability can support each other, and that a vibrant and attractive countryside is necessary for both food security and democracy as a whole.
The idea is that the report will contribute to a new "vision" for the countryside that von der Leyen has promised to present within 100 days of the next EU Commission taking office later this fall.
A 110-page report on "outlooks for agriculture and food in Europe" has been prepared at the request of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The report is summarized in ten guidelines and 14 recommendations, covering everything from increased cooperation among farmers and transition support for sustainable production to a focus on healthier consumption and better working conditions.
Two Swedes have been involved among the report's authors: Professor Uno Svedin from the research organization Euragri and Lennart Nilsson from the producer organization Cogeca.
