Commission asks for help shaping agri-food vision

The European Commission has launched  a consultative body bringing together diverse stakeholders in the agri-food sector as a first policy initiative of the new administration.

The so-called European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) will build on the Strategic Dialogue for the future of agriculture initiated earlier this year by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which sought to address rising tensions in the agri-food policy debate.

“The European Board on Agri-food is to tackle the full complexity of the agri-food value chain, supporting our farmers and driving a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food system,” von der Leyen said in a statement.

The board’s mission is to foster consensus with a view to shaping the forthcoming Vision for Agriculture and Food, a strategic document expected to be unveiled by new Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen within the first 100 days of his term – and tentatively scheduled for 19 February 2025, according to internal documents.

“More consensus, less polarisation,” Commissioner Hansen wrote on his X account of EBAF.

The board will consist of up to 30 member organisations, representing three stakeholder categories: farmers, other actors in the food supply chain, and NGOs.

In the past, the Strategic Dialogue established by von der Leyen faced criticism over its exclusive, invite-only membership, which excluded major players such as the pesticide lobby CropLife Europe and the EU’s agriculture machinery industry CEMA.

To address these concerns, the Commission has introduced an open call for applications, allowing stakeholders to apply by 8 January 2025.

Selection criteria include registration in the EU’s transparency register, demonstrated expertise in relevant fields, and broad geographical representation across member states.

The final composition of the board will be announced in early 2025, with its first meeting scheduled shortly after.

EBAF will have a five-year mandate and is expected to convene two to six times annually, with additional meetings called by Commissioner Hansen as needed.