Food companies urge Commission to reform CAP environmental payments

Posted on 9 December 2024

Large food companies are urging European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, to deliver a Vision for Agriculture and Food that accelerates Europe’s transition to sustainable farming and consumption, ultimately helping ensure long-term competitiveness.

In a statement published today, Unilever, Danone, Oatly and McCain are calling for a substantial increase in environmental payments in the Common Agriculture Policy, the establishment of mandatory sustainability criteria for public procurement, and other key environmental measures.

Giulia Riedo, Sustainable Farming Policy Officer at the WWF European Policy Office, said: “Companies know that making food supply chains truly sustainable is key to staying competitive in the long term - starting at the farm. Many farmers are already adopting greener practices, but their efforts must be rewarded to incentivise others to follow. The Commission should increase funding for CAP payments for ecosystem services and rethink existing subsidies that harm not only the planet but also our competitiveness. Let’s stop shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Companies are also calling for common definitions and criteria for on-farm sustainability, the creation of an Agriculture Just Transition and Nature Funds separate from the CAP, and the establishment of enabling food environments that make healthy and sustainable food products the easiest and most affordable choice for consumers across the EU.

Today, more than 40 CSOs representing millions of consumers and activists, including WWF, also issued a public letter to Christophe Hansen, calling for similar measures, including reforms to the CAP to better support farmers in need and who promote sustainable practices.

The new European Commissioner is set to present a vision for the future of EU agriculture and food within the first 100 days of his mandate. Last November, during his hearing at the European Parliament, he confirmed that he would build on the agreements from the Strategic Dialogue for the Future of EU Agriculture, which would include significant changes to CAP direct payments.

The triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution is challenging food security and farmers' ability to make ends meet. The future Vision for EU Agriculture and Food could set a new direction for EU agriculture, particularly the Common Agriculture Policy, with negotiations for the next term already underway.

Companies urge the EU to accelerate Europe’s transition to sustainable farming and consumption

Download

CSO letter on agriculture and food

PDF

3.71 MB

Business letter on EU Vision for Agriculture and Food

PDF

2.27 MB