Research

EU agricultural policy: The Strategic Dialogue sweetens the Green Deal for farmers

30 September 2024 13:53 RaboResearch

The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture released its advisory report. RaboResearch examines whether it upholds the Green Deal or changes course.

Intro

Following farmer protests against the European Green Deal, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a so-called Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture to depoliticize the debate. The group presented its advisory report on September 4, 2024 and made the following recommendations:

    European agricultural policies should stay on the course laid out in the Green Deal. No change is proposed regarding ambitions or targets. A regulatory target of “no net land take by 2050” should be introduced and the commission should work on legislation regarding biological control, nutrient management, and animal welfare. A “carrot” of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies for sustainable practices and a Just Transition Fund for food and agribusiness sectors should accompany the regulatory “stick” in order to facilitate the transition. Systems change should be pursued by developing a sustainability benchmarking standard for farmers, consumers paying more for sustainable products, and dietary change from animal- to plant-based protein sources.

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