Focus shifts to farmer welfare, simplified regulations, and food sovereignty in updated agricultural roadmap.
The European Commission has introduced a revamped agri-food strategy for 2040, moving away from its previously ambitious Green Deal objectives. The new approach responds to widespread farmer protests by prioritizing simpler regulations and making farming a more attractive and sustainable profession.
Goodbye Farm to Fork, Hello Simplification
The updated plan marks a significant departure from the Farm to Fork strategy, which aimed to cut pesticide use by half by 2030. According to Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, the new direction seeks “necessary reductions in a different way,” emphasizing practical solutions over rigid targets.
The buzzword driving this change is “simplification.” The Commission plans to streamline the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)—a key EU subsidy program that accounts for nearly one-third of the EU budget—making its implementation less complex and more beneficial for farmers.
Supporting Farmers Over Strict Environmental Targets
While environmental concerns are still considered, they no longer dominate the agenda. The controversial Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), first proposed in 2022, was officially withdrawn in 2024 after strong opposition.
Additionally, plans for mandatory NutriScore labeling have been dropped. Instead, the EU will promote labels focused on product origin and animal welfare, aligning with farmers’ interests.
Focus on Fair Farmer Income and Food Security
The new agri-food vision emphasizes fair farmer incomes and food sovereignty. The EU aims to strengthen farmers’ positions in the food supply chain by reforming Unfair Trade Practices (UTPs) and preventing sales below production costs.
A generational renewal strategy will also be launched later this year, helping young farmers access land, capital, and training, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Balanced Trade and Food Sovereignty
Trade diversification remains a priority. The EU will push for stricter standards on imported goods, especially concerning pesticide use and animal welfare, ensuring that hazardous pesticides banned in the EU do not re-enter the market through imports.
Conclusion
The EU Commission’s new agri-food roadmap shifts the focus from environmental targets to farmer welfare, simplified regulations, and food sovereignty. By supporting competitive farming practices and prioritizing fair incomes, the EU aims to revitalize its agricultural sector while maintaining key sustainability goals.
