This three-day event of exceptional importance, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, brings together the Ministers of Agriculture from 15 countries in Poznań. During the Europe Day of the Congress, the floor was first taken by Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“An in-depth discussion on the future of European agriculture and food security is a priority of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. As President of the AGRIFISH Council, in February and March, I held a wide-ranging exchange of views on the Vision between the Ministers of the Member States and the European Commission. The work was continued at the technical level during four meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture dedicated to the Vision” – stressed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski.

Vision for agriculture and food

The participant in and the speaker during this event is also the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, who presented today the “Vision for Agriculture and Food” – a document of the European Commission presented for the first time in the EU forum on 16 February in Brussels. The Vision indicates potential scenarios for the development of European agriculture in the coming years and opens the room for a deep, substantive discussion.

“The countryside is our culture, our heritage and, at the same time, a strong economic sector. The task of the Common Agricultural Policy is, among others, to support investments in rural areas. We want the next generations to live in the countryside, but if it is to happen, we need to provide them with the proper support and the suitable conditions” – said Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

On the future of agriculture

After the presentation of the “Vision for Agriculture and Food”, the Ministers of Agriculture from the selected EU countries, present at the Congress, were also invited to the discussion: Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests of Italy Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania Ignas Hofmanas, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities of Ireland, Jerry Buttimer T.D., Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food of Spain Begoña García Bernal. The participants in the panel discussed the future of agriculture and rural development.

– All changes must result from a dialogue with farmers. We have stressed this since the beginning of the Presidency – it is important that nothing about agriculture goes without the participation of farmers – highlighted the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski.

On the rural development during the Europe Day

Today is a special symbolic day, because it is held on 9 May – the Europe Day. This is a unique moment that makes us both reflect on the past and talk about the future of European rural areas. The Europe Day reminds us that Poland has been part of the European Community for 21 years.

– The European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development is what we need to pave the way toward a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future of rural areas in the European Union. Today, on the Europe Day, we are also celebrating our common values and efforts aimed at building a better future for the Community – said Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

– The European Congress of Rural Renewal and Development, its theme, shows that the countryside is not only a place of agricultural production. It is also a place to live, a place to nurture tradition and culture, a community. It is, first of all, an important element of the identity of our regions, countries and the whole European Union. This is why the programme of the Congress is so diversified. From infrastructure and technology, through public services, to culture, heritage and social activity – stressed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski.

About the event

The objective of the European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development is to present ideas, key values, innovative solutions, best practices, as well as entities and support systems with outstanding achievements in the field of working for the countryside and rural areas.

The Congress is attended by about 1,500 people – representatives of the ministries in charge of rural development of the EU27, institutions working for rural development, representatives of local governments, non-governmental organisations, scientific communities, leaders of rural communities, with particular consideration given to key communities: women, youth and sport.

The plenary hall is the central venue for debates on the heritage and future of rural development to be participated in by more than 100 experts.

During the congress, there are about 20 accompanying events: conferences, workshops, discussion panels and meetings to be participated in by experts from various fields.

As part of the accompanying exhibition, the participants in the Congress can see what the 21st century countryside is – modern, friendly to live, but also faithful to its roots. This is thanks to people – rural residents, who with their energy and passion build a better future for themselves and for the whole community.