b"The Commission will also develop a voluntary bench- long-standing advocacy for a modernized, science-driven marking system, the on-farm sustainability compass', toapproach to agricultural sustainability and competitiveness. help farmers measure and improve their farm-level perfor- Euroseeds particularly welcomes the emphasis on:mance. A Water Resilience Strategy will address the press-Ensuring an attractive agricultural sector by provid-ing need for more efficient water uses. ing stability, fair incomes and access to innovative businessFair Living and Working Conditions in Rural Areas:models to secure generational renewal and attract young The Commission will bring an updated Rural Action Plantalent to farming.to ensure virbrant, functional rural areas. An annual Food Strengthening competitiveness and resilience by Dialogue will launch with a broad range of actors, includingensuring a level playing field in global trade and aligning consumers, farmers, industry and public authorities to findproduction standards for imported goods with EU regula-solutions for issues such as food affordability and innova- tions will reinforce food security and sovereignty.tion. Reducing food waste and addressing societal con-cerns for animal welfare will also be closely looked at by the Commission going forward. Our farmers take centre stage in the EU's The future common agricultural policy (CAP), as part of the upcoming MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework)food production system. It is thanks to their proposal, will be simpler and more targeted, with supportdaily, hard work that all of us have safe and more directed towards farmers who actively engage in food production, with a particular focus on young farmershigh-quality food.and those farming in areas of natural constraints. Ursula von der LeyenThe Vision is our resolute response to the agri-food sector's call for actionshaping a future that is competi-tive, resilient, fair and attractive for generations to come. It Supporting a future-proof sector by balancing embodies a thriving Europe, where rural areas are vibrantclimate action with food security, plant breeding innova-and connected hubs of heritage and innovation,Raffaeletions, improving access to biopesticides, and recognizing Fitto, executive vice pesident for cohesion & reforms, said.farmers' role in sustainable practices.The Commission will work with the agri-food sector toGarlich von Essen, Secretary General of Euroseeds, enhance its competitiveness and resilience, reinforcing thestated: This vision is a much-needed step forward in local dimension and restoring the vital link between food,shaping the future of agriculture in Europe. The European territory, seasonality, cultures and traditions.seed sector stands ready to contribute to the success of Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Cristophethis initiative by providing more modern, performing vari-Hansen said food and farming are vital for Europe.eties that enhance productivity, resilience, and sustain-We need the agri-food sector to flourish and competeability. We strongly support the Commissions focus on in a fair global marketplace, with enough resilience to copeinnovation, simplification, and ensuring a fair and com-with crises and shocks, he said. We must also ensure ourpetitive market for European farmers.own food sovereignty, given the risks and vulnerabilities ofAs the European Commission moves forward with today's fast-changing world.its implementation plans, Euroseeds remains committed He said It will make the sector more sustainable andto collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to help agriculture to remain an attractive and remunerativeensure that plant breeding and seed innovation continue sector so that enough young people join the profession. to play a pivotal role in achieving a resilient and sustain-The EU Commission will propose a comprehensiveable agri-food system for Europe, von Essen said.SWsimplification package for the current agricultural legislative ON THE WEBframework, along with an EU digital strategy for agricultureWHERE to support the transition to digital-ready farming.Euroseeds welcomed the European CommissionsThis article has been shortened for print. Vision for Agriculture and Food, as a concrete milestoneScan the QR code to read the entire version.towards a new landscape for Europe's agrifood sector. The Commissions focus on simplifying policies and fos-tering innovation and digitalization aligns with Euroseeds JUNE 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /35"