News in brief:
– European Commission has launched the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) to advise on creating a more sustainable and competitive agri-food system.
– The European Investment Bank has approved a €3 billion program to support young farmers, green investments, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The European Commission has announced the launch of the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) based on recommendations from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture.
The dialogue, which was launched in January 2024, featured major stakeholders in the region’s agri-food sectors, civil society, rural communities and academia. They shared ideas on how best to steer the future of the bloc’s farming.
This board, to be chaired by the Commissioner for Food and Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, will be a consultative body. They will provide advice to the commission regarding agriculture and food.
“The European Board on Agri-food is to tackle the full complexity of the agri-food value chain, supporting our farmers and driving a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food system,” President von der Leyen said.
Part of the focus will be to create a new collaborative atmosphere among stakeholders based on dialogue, trust and participation. To this end, the 30-people board will have a balanced representation of the farming community, food supply chain actors, and civil society.
Organisations in the EU are encouraged to apply for membership but they stand more chances of being picked if they:
- demonstrate the broadest relevant competence
- show expertise in areas relevant to agriculture and food at the Union level
- display the widest geographical representativeness across Member States
- are registered in the Transparency Register.
Applications close on January 8 2025, after which the Commission will evaluate and finalise memberships at the beginning of the year and convene its first meeting. This board will be set up for a five-year term and meet about two to six times annually or even more.
Additionally, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €3 billion Pan-European Agricultural Programme for small and medium-sized businesses. It emphasises that there will be a strong focus on young farmers, green investments and gender equality when approving applicants.
‘The EIB Group approved a €3 billion Pan-European Agricultural Programme for small and medium sized businesses, with a strong focus on young farmers, green investments and gender equality.’
🎙️President @NadiaCalvino, #EUAgriFoodDays keynote address pic.twitter.com/4ch7oCW3lj
— European Investment Bank (@EIB) December 10, 2024
“The new initiative covers agriculture, agribusiness, and the bioeconomy, catalysing investment in key areas that foster climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable practices. It will streamline financing for sustainable agriculture, digital agriculture tools, water management systems, and working capital for climate resilience and crop adaptation,” the bank’s press statement mentioned.
It will also support innovation, training in sustainable agricultural practices, and improving infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.
