A wave of agricultural discontent has swept Europe in recent weeks, fueled by rising input costs, extreme weather events and economic and bureaucratic uncertainty. Farmers, facing these challenges, express deep concern and a widespread sense of having been misunderstood.

All organizations affiliated with Copa and Cogeca are awaiting the response from the European executive. The strategic dialogue announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her State of the Union address in September is a welcome initiative, although it has been slow to materialise. Furthermore, the scope of the discussions remains particularly vague. "We take note of the invitation received for a first meeting on January 25 and we expect clarifications soon. We want an in-depth debate with the Commission and interested parties that places the reality of agriculture at the center of the discussions and we remain convinced, as said President von der Leyen, that agriculture and nature conservation can go hand in hand. Europe needs both!", they explain from the Copa-Cogeca.

In the midst of this, the European regulatory machinery continues to operate at full speed, ignoring the geopolitical, climatic and economic context that is undermining farms and farmers' incomes. "We deplore it! As we approach the final stretch of the European elections, we are witnessing an increase in regulatory decisions affecting agriculture, which is leading to a profound lack of understanding on the ground," they maintain. Decisions range from the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and nature restoration to animal welfare during transport, packaging and forest monitoring regulations. Discussions are also advancing on agreements such as Mercosur and expanding borders for Ukrainian agricultural products to enter European markets.

"It is imperative that the European Commission opens discussions on regulations to broader debates that encompass concrete solutions, tools and financing to support a genuine European agricultural ambition. The strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture must restore agriculture, competitiveness and farmers' income and the coherence of EU agricultural policies as a strategic priority. Copa and Cogeca are ready to play their role. We want to talk! Let's work hard and make sure that happens for the good of our farmers and agricultural cooperatives ", they say.