The panel discussed a new vision of the European agricultural policy, which redefines the role of agriculture as a strategic pillar of food security and geopolitical stability. The challenges related to climate change, unstable market situation and global competition are reasons for which agriculture is treated not only as an economic sector, but also as an element of broadly understood security for Europeans.

At the heart of this vision, we have the farmer’s income, as the profitability of farms is to allow for further modernisation and implementation of environmental goals.

An important element of the discussion was the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027.

The participants stressed the need to maintain the financial stability of the CAP, particularly in the context of growing costs of production, environmental challenges and the planned enlargement of the European Union.

– We have a new financial framework, a new perspective. We have to find new solutions how to support farmers, how to support their production activities but also their development – said the Deputy Minister – probably we should open a new, wider competitiveness fund for farmers in Europe – added Nowak.

 

An important subject of the discussion was also the issue of simplification of regulations. The participants agreed that reducing administrative burdens does not mean abandoning responsibility, but rather implementing it better. It was stressed that the current complexity of procedures limited the development of farms, particularly small and medium-sized ones, and that more flexible regulations, based on digitalisation and transparent rules, could increase efficiency and restore farmers’ confidence in EU policies.

– We must remember about the proposals of farmers from last year’s protests, as well as this year’s protests. We need less bureaucracy, more innovation in agriculture. Also, we need digital innovation in the field of applying for European funds – Minister Nowak reiterated the demands of farmers.

The third key area of the discussion was the future of the young generation in the countryside. The participants discussed how to stop the process of rural depopulation and make agriculture a real and attractive career path. It was pointed out that young people expected primarily financial stability, access to land and capital, development of infrastructure and the possibility of using modern technologies.

– Let us start with restoring proper living conditions and decent income, because this is particularly important for young people – for their future life and for their whole career. We have to remember that rural areas are not only to be a place of work, but also a place to live and lead a family life. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that young people and young families have access to public services and high-quality infrastructure. Only in this way, will we achieve a good, stable development of rural areas, while ensuring the stability of income and profitability of farmers – says Deputy Minister Nowak.

The panel entitled “How to revive farming: The 7-year recipe for growth” was an opportunity to present the most important challenges facing European agriculture and to formulate courses of action that could strengthen the sector’s resilience. Summing up the panel, Deputy Minister Adam Nowak stressed that the future of agriculture depended on efficient regulations, predictable financing and consistent modernisation, as well as on creating conditions thanks to which the young generation would be able to connect their future with rural areas.

The entire panel can be viewed at:  https://youtu.be/tIsLbhHsk7U?si=e4gpmktAY6R25pE0