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If Europe wants to consolidate its position as an economic and agricultural power, and if it truly wants to demonstrate competitiveness in the global market, it must promote public policies that enhance the production, resilience, and efficiency of its agri-food sectors.

What better day than Europe Day, celebrated last May 9th, to launch a commitment proposal inviting all future representatives in the European Parliament to make a realistic effort regarding agriculture, nutrition, and health? The agri-food sector deserves a prominent position on the European political agenda. Over the past five years, farmers, entrepreneurs, workers, and researchers in the agricultural and food sector have been unfairly scapegoated for climate and health crises, undergoing systematic marginalization. It is with this conviction that we have launched “Mi impegno“, our programmatic document “EU Agrifood: Driving Competitiveness, Sustainability, and Resilience. Strategic Policy Guide for 2024-2029,” transmitted to European election candidates whom we invite to support ahead of the vote.

AGRIFOOD: KEY TO EUROPE’S FUTURE

We believe that the agri-food sector plays a strategic role in the ecological transition of our continent, in addition to boasting high competitiveness and resilience. The climate crisis requires a central role for the agri-food sector. Penalizing it as done so far harms Europe, strengthens its competitors, and questions the Union’s principles of food safety and self-sufficiency.

As the elections approach, we notice a change of course, but we fear that it is more influenced by electoral considerations than by a real understanding of the problems.

On the contrary, if Europe wants to consolidate its position as an economic and agricultural power, if it truly wants to demonstrate competitiveness in the global market, it must promote public policies that enhance the production, resilience, and efficiency of its agri-food sectors. This implies defining systematic incentives for productivity, eliminating food waste, investing in infrastructure and digitalization, and fighting against food counterfeiting. It is also crucial to revise animal welfare legislation and invest in innovative technologies to mitigate the impact of climate change.

A BALANCED AND REALISTIC APPROACH IS NEEDED

We must find a new balance between economic, social, and environmental sustainability, integrating the needs of the population and entrepreneurial system. Eliminating any form of prejudice towards any food is essential, as is consolidating and streamlining the agri-food sector to block potential speculation. Valuing both traditional, local products and high-quality and sustainable European industrial productions is fundamental.

Lastly, regarding health, it is imperative to enhance citizens’ food education, promoting information on balanced diets and the Mediterranean diet, known for its preventive capacity against chronic diseases. Current policies against obesity have proven ineffective and limiting of individual and economic freedoms, with taxes on foods and beverages generating inflationary effects that disproportionately affect poorer families, reducing access to quality foods.