A new European Agricultural Policy

The year 2009 has demonstrated the scale of the difficulties facing European farmers. Milk is not the only sector in crisis. Agricultural incomes have declined almost everywhere. The initial estimates from the European Commission predict a decline of 12.2% in comparison to 2008. And according to the European Farmers’ Organisation COPA, the income of farmers is only half the average income in the EU.

The current European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proved incapable of solving the problems. Farms are disappearing like snow under the sun and unemployment is on the rise. The climate is warming up, while biodiversity is rapidly declining. Health costs caused by unhealthy diets are rising steeply. Simultaneously, the number of hungry in the world has crossed the one billion mark.

The European Union and its Member States have recognised each of these problems, but for the time being, they have not proposed substantial policy reorientations that would be required in order to address each of these complex issues.

If Europe does not act soon, our European agriculture will be at risk. Who will feed our people when there are no or too few farmers? What ecological and social havoc lies in wait for us? The year 2010 must be the year in which there is a broad public debate to redefine the priorities of a new policy on agriculture and food. Vredeseilanden would like to make its own contribution to achieve this aim. Together with various civil society organisations in Belgium, the Flemish Boerenbond and environmental and farmers’ movements, we are arguing for an agriculture that embodies the three elements of sustainability: ecological, social and economical.

• Download this report (PDF - 7MB)
• Sign the European Food Declaration, for a healthy, sustainable, fair and mutually supportive Common Agriculture and Food policy