Brussels – Belgium – AVEC, the voice of the European poultry sector, welcomes the European Commission’s new Vision for Agriculture and Food, which rightly recognises the strategic importance of food security and food sovereignty for Europe’s stability and resilience. We also embrace the Commission’s bold vision and objectives for 2040, aiming for an agri-food system that is attractive, competitive, future-oriented, and fair for both current and future generations. These priorities reflect the vital role that agriculture and EU farmers play in ensuring Europe’s long-term sustainability and global leadership.
The Commission’s emphasis on the role of food in Europe’s economic competitiveness is a major acknowledgment and sets the stage for ensuring that agriculture continues to be a driving force in both economic growth and global trade. Moreover, the Commission’s commitment to the EU’s ongoing contribution to global food security signals Europe’s determination to maintain its leading position in food innovation.
“Agriculture is not just about food production; it is about economic strength, innovation, and global leadership, with the EU standing as the world’s largest agri-food exporter,” says Birthe Steenberg, Secretary General of AVEC. “We are encouraged that the Commission recognises the central role of farmers and the agri-food sector in securing Europe’s competitiveness and long-term livelihood. Maintaining a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector is key to Europe’s future.”
The new approach to working together, with an emphasis on building trust and dialogue, is also an important step forward. The review of the current Civil Dialogue Groups (CDG) groups holds great potential for fostering collaboration and breaking down silos within the EU Commission, facilitating a more cohesive and inclusive approach to the design of future policies.
AVEC also supports the Commission’s plan to develop a self-sufficient and sustainable EU protein supply system, by reducing dependencies on imports and mitigating supply chain risks. This approach will help shield the EU from market volatility while reinforcing its long-term resilience.
A particularly positive element of the Commission’s vision is the promise to deepen reciprocity in trade agreements. AVEC has long called for a stronger alignment between EU production standards and those applied to imported products, particularly on animal welfare.
“If the EU sets the highest animal welfare standards in the world – and we support that – it must also ensure that products entering the Single Market meet the same requirements,” Steenberg stressed. “Otherwise, we are undermining our own farmers and giving an unfair advantage to third-country producers who do not play by the same rules.”
AVEC therefore fully supports the Commission’s intention to ensure that future legislative proposals (the review of the animal welfare legislation, in particular) apply the same standards for products produced in the EU and those imported for third countries, and to strengthen controls on imports to reinforce the necessary compliance with EU standards.
We equally welcome the Commission’s proposal to extend the country of origin labeling for agricultural products and intensify its promotion policy, highlighting the importance of application on processed products and products served in restaurant and catering alike. “Clear and consistent labelling would not only allow consumers to make informed choices but also ensure a level playing field for European producers,” stresses Steenberg.
While the Commission insists that the Mercosur agreement will have limited impact on the EU agricultural production, AVEC finds it paradoxical that they (the EU Commission) are simultaneously proposing a €1 billion reserve in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to mitigate its impact on the agri-food sector.
“This raises serious concerns about the real effects of the deal,” warns Steenberg. “You cannot claim that a deal is harmless while at the same time setting aside a billion euros to protect against its consequences. This contradiction must be addressed before the agreement moves forward.”
AVEC welcomes the Commission’s recognition that the EU livestock sector remains an essential part of European agriculture, competitiveness and cohesion. A long-term vision for livestock is critical to maintaining Europe’s high standards of production, sustainability, and food security.
“The EU livestock sector is indispensable to the overall agricultural landscape,” Steenberg concluded. “We need policies that support our farmers and food producers, not ones that create additional burdens or expose them to unfair competition. A comprehensive simplification package for the current agricultural legislative framework as well as incentivising innovation and sustainability are essential to that end.”
AVEC remains committed to working with the European Commission and policymakers to ensure that this vision translates into concrete actions that safeguard the competitiveness and livelihood of EU producers while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, food safety and security and animal health and welfare. For more information, read our Manifesto here.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Birthe Steenberg, Secretary General
Email: bs@avec-poultry.eu
Maria Nikolaidi, Communications Manager
Email: mn@avec-poultry.eu
Tel: +32468224193