The strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the European Union will be launched on Thursday 25 January, several European sources confirmed on Friday 19 January.
Letters of invitation to take part in this event were sent out by the European Commission on 18 January. Thirty participants were invited to the kick-off meeting on 25 January (see EUROPE 13328/8).
The aim of the strategic dialogue is to “listen to the concerns of the entire agri-food chain” and “forge a common vision” on the future of the sector, according to the letter sent to participants, signed by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. German Professor Peter Strohschneider will chair this strategic dialogue. The aim is to bring together all the players in the food supply chain, said a Commission spokesperson.
The letter of invitation does not specify how the day will run, the list of participants or the next steps. It does, however, recall the four major issues identified by the European Commission: farmers’ incomes, the sustainability of their practices, the competitiveness of the sector, and technological innovation. The launch of this dialogue on the future of agriculture was announced by Ms von der Leyen last September. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)