b"Developing anMID-FEBRUARY,the EU Commission presented its Vision for Agriculture and Food, an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe. This road-Agri-food Systemmap sets the stage for an attractive, competitive, resilient, future-oriented and fair agri-food system for current and future generations of farmers and agri-food operators.This vision was proposed as a priority initiative for the for Currentfirst 100 days of this Commission's mandate. It aims to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the EU's farming and food sector. Based on the latest Eurobarometer results, EU citizens overwhelm-and Futureingly agree that securing a stable food supply in the EU at all times is essential.Our farmers take center stage in the EU's food produc-tion system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of Generations us have safe and high-quality food, European Commission President von der Leyen said. Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change.Europes ambitious vision forFour Priority Areas An Attractive Sector: Farming must have the neces-agriculture and food. sary stability and support to encourage young people to By Marcel Bruins, Seed World Europe Editorial Director enter the profession. The Commission is committed to ensuring that farmers are not forced to systematically sell their products below production costs, and will take concrete action to that end, including through the review of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. The Commission will also present a Generational Renewal Strategy in 2025, with recommendations on measures needed both at the EU and national/regional level to address the barriers to young and new people entering the profession. A Competitive and Resilient Sector: The EU will con-tinue to prioritize food security and sovereignty in various ways, fully using trade negotiations and agreements, while protecting European farmers interests. The Vision also responds to the requests for a stronger alignment of pro-duction standards for imported products. The Commission will assess the impact of greater stand-ards coherence for hazardous pesticides banned in the EU and on animal welfare. The rigorous enforcement and con-trols of food safety standards remains non-negotiable.A Future-proof Sector: Europe's agricultural sector plays an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Vision recognizes the need to reconcile climate action with food security and the specific chal-lenges faced by the sector.Farmers should be rewarded for adopting nature-friendly practices. 34/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025"