The future CAP and food policies need to preserve the link between agriculture, food, territory, and traditions

Greater transparency in consumer information, fairer rules for all actors in the value chain, and international competition based on the principle of reciprocity, alongside a renewed focus on promotion as a tool for conquering foreign markets, are key objectives outlined in the Vision for Agriculture and Food, presented today by European Commission Vice President Fitto and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Hansen.

These goals promise positive impacts for both the entire agri-food supply chain and European consumers. This vision is underscored by Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe, in a statement emphasizing the sector’s growth and development opportunities.

According to Scordamaglia, transparency and promotion are strategic levers that not only benefit businesses but also improve consumers’ well-being. The aim is to foster fair competition and strengthen Europe’s position in international markets, building a system that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and food security.

“Strengthening transparency for consumers and establishing fairer rules for international competition are essential to supporting our sector,” says Scordamaglia. “In an increasingly complex geopolitical context, the European Union must reclaim its leadership role, with a strong focus on global food security.

This can only be achieved if European agricultural production has access to adequate resources to deliver high-quality food products at affordable prices for consumers.”

While not explicitly addressed in the Vision document, Eat Europe strongly opposes any future structure of the Multiannual Financial Framework that fails to meet the specificity of the CAP through a dedicated allocation, especially at a time when European unity must be reinforced, not undermined.

Eat Europe welcomes the Commission’s recognition that we need an agri-food sector that values food, promotes fair working and living conditions, and supports vibrant and well-connected rural areas. In these areas, the link between food, territory, seasonality, cultures, and traditions should be cherished as an integral part of the European way of life. Furthermore, food innovation should be assessed in an inclusive way, considering social, ethical, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects. Our responsibility will be to ensure food policies remain aligned with these objectives.

“These are issues that demand strong and collective commitment at the European level,” concludes Scordamaglia, “so that the agri-food sector can rise to meet global challenges and ensure the well-being of European citizens.”