Towards the European agriculture of the future
The resilience of European agri-food supply chains, the impact of climate change and digital innovation on new agricultural models, and the generational renewal and well-being of farmers are only a few of the issues shaping the present and future of European agriculture.
As illustrated in its position paper and demonstrated during the Experts Roundtable on 7 April 2025, the AER Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Development ensured widespread visibility and awareness of the most pressing issues affecting rural and urban regions dependant on the agriculture sector. The Experts Roundtable was co-organised by the AER and the Province of Gelderland. It featured contributions by Ricard Ramon i Sumoy, Acting Head of Unit, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture, and Piotr Całbecki, Chair of the Commission for Natural Resources, European Committee of the Regions, accompanied by other relevant stakeholders in the field.
The AER vision on agriculture and food
Presented in February 2025 by Commissioner Hansen, the Vision for Agriculture and Food highlights the importance of recognizing and building upon regional specificities and needs when it comes to food systems. While it does not mention the role of Local and Regional Authorities explicitly, it makes a strong case for the link between innovation in the agri-food sector and the right to stay in rural and remote regions across Europe.
The Assembly of European Regions, in its position paper on the Future of Agriculture and Rural Development, approved in December 2024, approached the issue of the right to stay by upholding the importance of enabling generational renewal in agriculture. While describing the issue of rural depopulation and the ageing of farmers, the Task Force members stated:
For young farmers, access to land, finance, advisory services, connectivity, and market and export opportunities must also be strengthened, alongside increased support for training and innovation. (…) The challenges we face demand greater investment and targeted instruments that can more effectively improve career opportunities for young people in rural areas and empower young farmers, ensuring the long-term sustainability and vitality of Europe’s agricultural sector and rural areas.
Agricultural innovation for regional competitiveness and sustainable food production
There is a common understanding on the importance of digital and financial innovations to guarantee the sustainability of food production and security. This includes the implementation of fairer and better-tailored public support, a balance between incentive-based and regulatory policies, and the guarantee of fair and equitable food chains across Europe. As advocated by the AER, this can be facilitated by greater integration of EU funds for farming and rural development in the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
On the AER Political Priorities 2025–2030
The AER will strengthen its support to the members when it comes to enhancing innovation and competitiveness in the agricultural sector and will advocate for a strong and resilient European agri-food supply chain in the upcoming five years. If you are an AER member and you want to contribute to the strategic orientation of our network, make your contribution to the Political Priorities sharing the work of the AER in the period 2025-2030, for more information click in the image below:
AER Elections 2025 – Shape the Future of Our Network
Highlights from the 2024 AER General Assembly & Spring Bureau meeting | 8th Black Sea Summit | Batumi, Ajara
