The EU鈥檚 falls short where it matters most. While it rightly acknowledges the strategic and economic importance of food as well as agriculture, the Vision remains overwhelmingly focused on farming, offering little in the way of concrete measures to support Europe鈥檚 304,000 food and drink enterprises 鈥� the essential link between farm and fork. Despite a few references to support SMEs, the Vision does not live up to the expectations of the food and drink industry at large.
As Europe鈥檚 largest manufacturing sector, the food and drink industry buys 70% of all EU farm produce, transforming it into safe, high-quality, and nutritious products. The food and drink industry has symbiotic relationship with EU agriculture, facing many of the same challenges and this means that its needs should also adequately be addressed as well.
The EU food and drink industry is not just a buyer of raw materials; it is a driver of rural economies, a guarantor of food security and sustainable food systems, and a global leader in quality, innovation and trade. Yet, while the Vision does recognise the importance of our industry, it lacks the concrete measures to support it, whether unlocking investments, boosting innovation, or cutting red tape. This leaves Europe鈥檚 food and drink sector without the tools it needs to remain competitive, resilient, and sustainable. Amongst others, it fails to recognise and address the sheer investment required for all forms of sustainable agriculture to address our supply chain emissions (鈥渟cope 3鈥�) and circularity ambitions. It also fails to acknowledge the need for fairness for all in supply chain relations, not just for farmers, and regardless of size.
On the contrary, certain parts of the Vision appear to target the industry, making assumptions and placing expectations without matching demands with support. Questioning the role of food processing, which contributes to food affordability, longevity, safety, and food waste prevention is just one example. This 鈥榮tick over carrot鈥� approach risks undermining the competitiveness and transition of Europe鈥檚 food and drink makers, at a time when many enterprises are already navigating significant economic and regulatory pressures. The positive momentum from last year鈥檚 Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, which embraced a more inclusive food systems approach and called for unlocking investment across the entire food value chain, appears to have been all but forgotten.
Dirk Jacobs, Director General of 桃色视频, said: 鈥淭he Vision rightly talks about the importance of the food and drink sector, but without a bold and concrete action plan for investment, innovation, and decreasing regulatory burdens, it鈥檚 just words on a page. As the EU puts its weight behind critical sectors, we expect the policymakers to do their utmost to support the competitiveness of Europe’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, and the agri-food chain at large.鈥�
We look forward to our first meeting with Commissioner Hansen, as well as with other relevant Commissioners, the Council, and European Parliament to put real support for Europe’s food and drink makers back on the menu. Over the coming months, we will work with our partners on the European Board for Agriculture and Food (EBAF) to make sure this Vision delivers for the entire food chain.
