The European Commission recently unveiled its Vision for Agriculture and Food, aiming to shape the future of Europe’s agri-food sector by focusing on competitiveness, resilience, and innovation. However, this strategy has faced criticism for its lack of clarity and internal contradictions, particularly regarding the role of farmers in this transformation.
Cristina Guarda, a Greens/EFA MEP and farmer, voiced concerns about the Vision, noting that while it presents a clear analysis of the agricultural sector’s challenges, the proposed solutions are insufficient. The document highlights issues such as an aging workforce, low incomes, lack of services in rural areas, and the environmental impact on production capacity. However, Guarda pointed out that the political response seems to be regressing, with a focus on competitiveness and attractiveness rather than strengthening farmers’ roles within the food supply chain, as initially intended by the Farm to Fork strategy.
Guarda criticized the lack of practical details regarding “simplification,” a key buzzword in the Vision. She noted that there was no clear explanation of which bureaucratic barriers would be removed or whether deregulation was being proposed. The Vision also emphasized technological innovation, but Guarda expressed skepticism, pointing out that many proposed technological advancements, such as systems to capture emissions or create drought-resistant seeds, are not yet viable. She argued that the document overlooks critical research areas, such as improving seeds for organic farming and enhancing agroecological practices that reduce water consumption and improve soil health. Moreover, Guarda emphasized the absence of support for alternative economic models, such as short supply chains, which could offer more sustainable, locally-based solutions.
The Greens/EFA group, according to Guarda, has a more ambitious proposal for the future of European agriculture. Key to their vision is a focus on income security for farmers, advocating for payments that are tied to job creation rather than merely the amount of land farmed. They propose capping payments at €60,000 per farming business, with the remaining funds redistributed to young farmers, rural development programs, and initiatives supporting a transition to climate- and biodiversity-friendly agriculture. Guarda also highlighted the need for economic recognition of agroecological practices, which enhance soil quality, protect water resources, and promote biodiversity. Farmers who contribute to ecosystem services should be compensated for their work, creating a new income stream independent of agricultural yields.
Guarda further critiqued the Commission’s Vision on Europe’s dependency on imports, such as chemical fertilizers and animal feed. The proposed solution of boosting domestic production and extensive livestock farming would be ineffective without reducing the number of animals raised. The Greens/EFA support a strategy for protein diversification, which promotes sustainable livestock systems while also fostering plant-based and alternative protein sources. Additionally, they advocate for clear and transparent labeling, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on environmental impact, regional origin, and animal welfare standards. Guarda stressed that the focus of European agricultural policy should be on food sovereignty and regional markets, rather than global competitiveness. She emphasized the Greens’ opposition to the Mercosur agreement, arguing for sustainable partnerships and short supply chains over global trade.
Shifting to the topic of environmental pollution, particularly concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Guarda called for urgent action. She emphasized the importance of stopping the production and release of PFAS and investing in research to find effective alternatives. Moreover, she underscored the need for effective methods to eliminate existing PFAS in the environment. Current destruction techniques, such as incineration and high-temperature thermal processing, are costly and may create new harmful by-products. Guarda advocated for safer, more affordable destruction methods and measures to prevent further contamination, including promoting closed-loop systems to prevent contaminated wastewater from reaching water sources. Additionally, farmers in affected areas need support to adopt cultivation practices that prevent the uptake of PFAS by crops. Finally, she called for the banning of PFAS in industries where alternatives already exist, such as cosmetics and textiles.
In conclusion, while the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food sets out an ambitious roadmap, it faces significant challenges in terms of clarity, practical implementation, and sustainability. The Greens/EFA’s proposals offer a more integrated approach, emphasizing income security, environmental responsibility, and sustainable, locally-based food systems.
