Members of the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) today called for a stronger regional role in shaping the future of agriculture and food policy in the European Union (EU). In a draft opinion led by Joke Schauvliege (BE/EPP), member of the provincial executive of East Flanders, members highlighted the need for better alignment between EU, national, regional, and local policies to ensure a resilient, fair, and sustainable agri-food system by 2040. The draft opinion emphasised that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must better reflect regional diversity, reduce administrative burdens, and prioritise support for farmers facing natural constraints, young and new farmers, and sustainable practices.
Addressing the NAT Commission Joke Schauvliege said: “The Vision for Agriculture and Food of the European Commission is a priority initiative to ensure fair incomes for farmers, to strongly support young farmers and to revise the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. Farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security, sovereignty and rural cohesion over Europe. Agriculture thus forms a very important strategic sector. The CoR, by this opinion, wishes to highlight the need of strengthening the regional dimension within the Common Agricultural Policy and simplifying administrative processes.”
Furthermore Schauvliege highlighted that the regional governance of Strategic Plans is of particular importance. "In my region Flanders and more specifically on our different provincial levels, we create our own strategies on food and develop our own visions on agriculture, because we have our own challenges that vary over all the regions within the kingdom of Belgium."
The Rapporteur called for regulatory simplifications in agri-food innovation and emphasises the need of stronger local involvement in sustainable food systems. "We advocate for increased support to help farmers transition to sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate climate change."
The opinion will now be voted in the upcoming CoR plenary session.
