STATEMENT | Response to the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture
The European Crop Care Association (ECCA) acknowledges and welcomes the efforts of the European Commission to listen to the needs and expectations of agri-food stakeholders. This engagement is particularly vital as we navigate the profound changes that have taken place on the global stage since the European Green Deal was launched in 2019.
In today’s increasingly complex world, the urgency to address new priorities, such as bolstering Europe’s defence capabilities, is evident. These challenges will likely demand additional resources and may necessitate the re-allocation of existing EU budget funds. However, as the new European Commission charts its path forward, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of defending Europe’s food security—a strategic asset of paramount importance, especially in times of global uncertainty and instability.
Fundamentally, food security is dependent on farmers’ capacity to produce abundant, affordable and safe food. To maintain and enhance this capacity, it is essential to create the right conditions that keep farmers competitive. This includes investing in the next generation of farmers, ensuring access to innovative, sustainable and productive farming solutions, while equipping farmers with the necessary tools and technologies to protect their crops and the environment.
In this context, we, the post-patent plant protection industry, urge all decision-makers to recognise the critical role of plant protection products (PPPs). Without these tools, farmers will struggle to manage and mitigate the challenges posed by climate change, as well as shifting political, geopolitical and economic landscapes. It is imperative that these solutions remain a priority to safeguard Europe’s competitiveness and food security.
We expect the European Parliament to also support and shape the policies that ensure European farmers’ access to the tools and solutions aiding their competitiveness and strengthening food security.
ECCA stands ready to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that European agriculture remains resilient, sustainable and capable of meeting challenges that lie ahead.
