On September 4th, 2024, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, received the much-anticipated final report from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. Chaired by Professor Peter Strohschneider, the report, titled “A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe,” outlines crucial recommendations that will shape the EU’s agricultural policies over the next few years, particularly with regard to sustainable practices, gender equality, and rural resilience.
This report has garnered wide support from the Commission and is set to be a cornerstone of President von der Leyen’s second mandate, reinforcing her vision for a more sustainable and competitive agri-food sector. As the EU seeks to address growing challenges in food security, climate change, and rural innovation, the report emphasises the need for collaborative approaches across all sectors.
For the FLIARA Project, which is at the forefront of empowering women-led innovations in rural areas, this report represents a significant milestone. With a strong focus on creating a diverse and vibrant agricultural sector, the report highlights the importance of gender equality, generational renewal, and the empowerment of rural communities. These align perfectly with FLIARA’s mission of building an inclusive rural innovation ecosystem that champions the voices of women farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Central to the report’s recommendations is the promotion of sustainable farming practices, including improved livestock welfare and fostering consumer awareness of sustainable diets.
- Resilience Through Innovation: In response to environmental, geopolitical, and economic challenges, the report advocates for innovative approaches, such as water-resilient farming and advanced plant breeding.
- Building a Diverse and Attractive Sector: Gender equality and generational renewal are highlighted as essential to ensuring the vibrancy of rural areas and the protection of agricultural workers.
As the European Commission reviews these recommendations, the FLIARA Project stands ready to contribute to the ongoing dialogue. By promoting women’s leadership and innovation in agriculture, FLIARA is uniquely positioned to support the EU’s vision of a resilient and inclusive future for farming and rural communities.
With the final report now in hand, the Commission is poised to create a platform for stakeholders from the agri-food sector, civil society, and academia to continue driving forward transformative solutions for the challenges facing Europe’s agricultural sector.
Read the full report at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_4528