CropLife Europe welcomes the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, which sets the path for strengthening the EU farming and agri-food sector.
We are particularly encouraged by its recognition that farmers must be at the centre of agricultural policy, equipped with a complementary and innovative toolbox to enhance sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. Innovation is the cornerstone of modern agriculture, and we welcome the European Commission’s strong emphasis on digitalisation, biopesticides, and plant biotechnology as key enablers – among others – of progress.
A forward-thinking, science-driven approach is essential to ensuring that European farmers have access to the tools they need to navigate current and future challenges. The commitment to an EU digital strategy for agriculture aligns with our sector’s priorities and reinforces the role of smart technologies in driving efficiency and sustainability. Likewise, the proposal to accelerate the approval of biopesticides is a pragmatic and farmer-focused step, ensuring that viable alternatives are in place before existing solutions are phased out.
The acknowledgment of plant biotechnology’s role in agriculture, particularly through the regulation of NGTs, is another positive development. Swift adoption of a clear, science-based framework will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of these innovations.
At the same time, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of agri-food innovation requires policies that are ambitious yet pragmatic. Reciprocity in trade discussions is important, and we encourage a balanced approach that upholds Europe’s high standards while fostering access to innovation. Science-based, risk-proportionate policies will be key to ensuring that European farmers remain competitive and have the tools they need to succeed in a global market.
As a sector, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to create a policy environment that supports both sustainability and productivity. A balanced and innovation-friendly regulatory framework will be essential to equipping farmers with the best tools to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global market.
The European Commission’s strong focus on inclusive dialogue provides an opportunity to shape the future of European agriculture collaboratively. Olivier de Matos, Director General of CropLife Europe, emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement:
“Bringing together all relevant stakeholders – farmers, industry, policymakers, civil society, academia and NGOs – is essential to shaping a sustainable and competitive future for EU agriculture and food. In that context, the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) represents a crucial platform for fostering open and constructive discussions on the future of EU agriculture. CropLife Europe is committed to contributing with concrete ideas and solutions that foster innovation while supporting the sector’s resilience and long-term growth. By ensuring that science and innovation remain at the core of agricultural policy, we can equip farmers with the best toolbox to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.”