The European Union is planning to address farmers’ concerns and tensions with global trade through a new agricultural policy review. The upcoming “Vision for Agriculture and Food” blueprint will focus on ensuring that imports meet EU standards, including banning products with hazardous pesticides that are banned in the EU. The commission aims to calm the situation for local farmers, especially those protesting against regulatory burdens, low revenues, and competition from less-regulated overseas markets.
The EU also intends to reform its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by reducing red tape and redirecting subsidies to support farmers who need it most, especially small and young farmers or those contributing to environmental preservation. This shift will tackle concerns that the current system benefits large landowners disproportionately. With a budget of 387 billion euros for agriculture between 2021 and 2027, the new direction could affect negotiations for the CAP’s 2028-2034 plan, which is set to be a key topic during EU chief Ursula von der Leyen’s second term.
Do you think this shift will help local European farmers, or could it spark new trade conflicts?
