The European Commission has taken a decisive step forward in implementing its Vision for the Future of Agriculture and Food, a long-term roadmap guiding the sector toward 2040. During a meeting of the Civil Dialogue Group on CAP Strategic Plans and Horizontal Matters, DG AGRI presented the measures scheduled for roll-out in 2026 and 2027, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening rural communities, and building a resilient, innovative and sustainable agri-food ecosystem.

According to Commission documentation, the Vision marks a shift in governance, emphasising coherence across policy areas, predictability for farmers, and a whole-of-society approach where public authorities, supply chain actors and consumers share responsibility for the transition.

The framework is built around four strategic pillars—Attractiveness, Competitiveness & Resilience, Sustainability and Fairness—each backed by concrete initiatives planned for the coming years.

1. Attractiveness: Empowering farmers and revitalising rural areas

The Commission outlined several milestones for 2026 as part of its effort to make farming more appealing and economically viable, particularly for women and new generations.

Key actions for 2026–2027 include:

• Women in Farming Platform – launching in Q1 2026, aimed at strengthening the role and visibility of women in agriculture.
• Revision of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive (UTP) – following completion of its evaluation in December 2025, legislative work will advance in Q4 2026 to address issues such as farmers being forced to sell below production costs.
  EU Farmland Observatory – formally launching in 2027, supported by 2026 preparatory steps:
  
  • Expert Group creation (Q1 2026)
  • Completion of pilot phase (Q3 2026)
  • Study on land financialisation (Q4 2026)

These actions reflect the Vision's objective of ensuring better farm revenues, supporting farm viability, and attracting new entrants to farming.

2. Competitiveness & Resilience: Strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy

The Commission’s 2026 agenda places strong emphasis on protecting EU agriculture from external shocks while unlocking the potential of innovation and research.

Major initiatives planned for 2026–2027:

• Livestock Strategy – expected in Q2 2026, addressing resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of the livestock sector through a holistic approach.
• Revision of Animal Welfare Legislation, including the phase-out of cages, scheduled for Q4 2026.
• Diversifying supply chains – measures to reduce strategic dependencies by Q2 2026.
• Climate Adaptation Plan – to be presented in Q4 2026.
• New agricultural insurance schemes – developed between 2026 and 2027 to better protect farms from climate and market volatility.

In terms of trade, the EU will advance reciprocity measures to prevent imports containing residues of hazardous pesticides. A regulation lowering maximum residue levels of substances such as carbendazim and benomyl to “technical zero” is expected by the end of 2026.

3. Sustainability: Transitioning from obligations to incentives

Building a climate-neutral and environmentally sound agriculture sector remains central to the Vision, with 2026 marking key legislative assessments and new tools for farmers.

Key sustainability actions include:

• Evaluation of the Nitrates Directive – by Q2 2026.
• Revision of the LULUCF Regulation – scheduled for Q4 2026, aligning land use and forestry management with EU climate goals.
• On-Farm Sustainability Compass (2026–2027) – a major new tool co-designed with farmers and agri-food actors to benchmark environmental performance and integrate sustainability criteria into transactions, certification, and ecosystem services markets.

Additionally, an Implementation Dialogue with Commissioner Roswall will launch in Q1 2026, supporting continuous monitoring of progress.

4. Fairness: Rebalancing the food chain and strengthening rural communities

The fairness pillar addresses social equity, consumer expectations and the link between food systems, local territories and cultural heritage.

Key initiatives announced:

• Annual Food Dialogue – beginning in Q1 2026, bringing together actors across the value chain.
• Update of the Rural Pact – also in Q1 2026, reinforcing the EU’s long-term approach to rural development.
• Revision of Public Procurement Directives – planned for Q2 2026, with an emphasis on enabling sustainable and local food purchasing.
• New EU Digital Strategy for Agriculture – date TBC, strengthening digital transformation across farming systems.
• New Strategic Approach to Research & Innovation – to be presented in Q4 2026, aligning R&I priorities with the Vision’s long-term objectives.
• Action Plan to promote Geographical Indications – launching in 2027 to reinforce quality, traceability and regional value creation.

The Vision stresses that fairness extends beyond economics, aiming to ensure quality of life in rural areas, promote territorial food cultures, and harness innovation for inclusive growth.

A Long-Term Journey to 2040

The Commission underscores that the Vision for Agriculture and Food is a long-term transformation, linking short-term deliverables with foresight-based planning. pt2-CDG 02022025_Vision Narrati…

The overarching message is clear: farmers are the backbone of a strong European Union, and achieving the Vision requires coordinated action across every part of society—from policymakers to market actors and consumers.