Agricultural sector lies at the heart of Europe's food security, environmental stewardship, and rural vitality. As geopolitical instability threatens global supply chains, local and regional leaders from the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) are calling for decisive action to strengthen the position of farmers across the agri-food supply chain.
“The Vision for Agriculture and Food is a highly relevant roadmap to secure the future of the agricultural sector in regions such as Andalusia, where agriculture is a strategic pillar,” stated Juanma Moreno, President of Andalusia and Vice-President of the CoR. “To ensure European food security, we must stand up for our farmers — to prevent them from abandoning the land, to guarantee that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides fair incomes, and to make farming attractive to new generations.”
President Moreno outlined three core priorities for safeguarding the sector’s future:
- Water resilience – investing in sustainable water management to counter climate challenges;
- Generational renewal – ensuring young people see a viable future in agriculture;
- Protection within the supply chain – empowering farmers to receive fair compensation and strong representation.
“Food sovereignty is food security,” Moreno emphasized. “We need a robust CAP that is independent of other EU funds, and one that places regions at the centre of governance so funds match each territory’s specific needs.”
Mirjam Sterk, Regional Minister of Utrecht, echoed the urgency for reform: “If we want a fair and resilient food system, farmers must receive fair prices — not just what the market allows, but what reflects the true value of their work, including environmental and social costs. True pricing must become the standard.”
Sterk advocated for a stronger economic position for farmers, not as passive producers, but as key partners in shaping the food system. She also stressed the need for shorter, more transparent supply chains that connect farmers and consumers more directly, cut waste, and boost trust.
Jorge Azcón, President of Aragón, highlighted the economic and social weight of agriculture in his region: “In Aragón, agriculture accounts for 15% of our wealth. It is vital for preserving the rural environment and fighting depopulation. But our farmers face major challenges and need support from all levels of government.” Azcón pointed to unfair trading practices, below-cost selling, and excessive bureaucracy as key barriers for farmers. “The CAP must be fair and efficient, removing administrative burdens so farmers can earn a decent living and compete on a level playing field,” he urged.
As Europe faces mounting food, climate, and geopolitical challenges, regional leaders are calling for a modernised, farmer-first policy framework. This includes:
- A strong and autonomous CAP, focused on resilience, fairness, and local needs;
- Policies ensuring fair pricing and transparency in the supply chain;
- Investments in rural renewal, water sustainability, and shorter supply chains.
The message from Andalusia, Utrecht, and Aragón is clear: Europe’s farmers are not just producers — they are the stewards of our food, our land, and our rural communities. They must be empowered, protected, and placed at the heart of Europe’s food future.
Pablo Hurtado Pardo, Director General for External Action, Regional Government of Extremadura highlighted that "The experience of recent years has shown that the agri-food sector must play a central role in the European strategy. We advocate for greater transparency in the supply chain and for livestock and farmers to receive prices that ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, which must not be subjected to unfair and harmful trade practices. The EU must provide a fair framework. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should have a strong and adequate budget that guarantees the viability of this essential sector.