This July, the European Commission will unveil its proposal for the future of agricultural policy from 2027 onwards. This is a defining moment. The choices made now will shape how food is produced across Europe for many years—perhaps decades—to come.
It’s an opportunity to reimagine how public funds are invested in agriculture, ensuring that support for farmers also benefits nature, public health, and the climate.
A Time of Crisis
At its core, farming depends on healthy soils, thriving pollinators, and ecosystems that naturally regulate pests. Yet paradoxically, current agricultural practices are the leading cause of biodiversity loss in the EU.
At the same time, farmers are increasingly contending with extreme weather—heatwaves, floods, and droughts—that a healthy natural environment could help mitigate.
Unfortunately, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which represents about a third of the EU budget, continues to channel billions of euros into subsidies that often support intensive, industrial farming.
These systems rely on synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and heavy water use—practices that degrade soil, pollute water, and further harm nature, making farmers even more vulnerable to climate risks.
A New Direction
In September, the Strategic Dialogue initiated by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector.
From environmental organisations like BirdLife, to farming unions such as Copa-Cogeca, and industry bodies like EuroCommerce, the message was clear: business as usual is not an option.
The EU needs a comprehensive transformation of its food and farming systems—one that ensures a fair and sustainable transition for all.
Now it’s time to put that vision into action.
The Way Forward
Across Europe, many farmers are already pioneering solutions—restoring hedgerows, enhancing soil health, rotating crops, and protecting water sources and biodiversity.
Yet these practices are often underfunded or hindered by inflexible regulations. Meanwhile, the majority of subsidies continue to support practices that harm the environment or offer little ecological benefit.
We need an agricultural policy that genuinely supports nature-friendly farming and ensures adequate funding for those who deliver it. That’s why at least €35 billion annually must be allocated in the EU budget to support actions that protect, enhance, and restore nature.
This funding is vital to help farmers and land managers build resilience to climate change.
Our Vision for a Future-Focused EU Agricultural Policy
- Reward farmers who protect and restore nature
- Set clear targets with full transparency and accountability
- Provide meaningful support and safety nets for struggling farmers
- Fund a just and equitable transition—not outdated practices
- End subsidies for harmful farming methods
The post-2027 CAP represents a rare and vital opportunity to reshape Europe’s food system—placing fairness, sustainability, and resilience at the heart of agriculture.
Policymakers must act now. Support the farmers who are driving change. Safeguard the nature we all depend on. And stop directing public funds toward practices that endanger our collective future.
Key Terms and Concepts
1. What is the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)?
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the EU’s main framework for supporting farmers through subsidies and rural development funds. It plays a vital role in shaping how food is produced and how land is managed. In 2025, CAP reform is critical for shifting funds from harmful intensive farming to sustainable practices. It affects nearly 10 million farmers across Europe. CAP is currently under revision for implementation post-2027.
2. What is the EU Green Deal and how does it relate to farming?
The EU Green Deal is a broad strategy aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, and it includes major agricultural reforms. Through the Farm to Fork Strategy, it promotes reduced pesticide use, organic farming, and resilient food systems. It’s important because agriculture is both a source of emissions and a key to nature recovery. For example, reducing fertiliser use aligns with Green Deal targets. In 2025, it is driving reform pressure on the CAP.
3. What does “nature-friendly farming” mean?
Nature-friendly farming refers to agricultural methods that protect soil, water, and biodiversity, such as crop rotation, hedgerow planting, and limited pesticide use. These practices are essential for long-term food security and climate resilience. Many EU farmers are adopting them, but they often lack sufficient support. In 2025, calls to reward such farming are growing. It is a core demand in the next CAP policy.
4. What is a just transition in agriculture?
A just transition means shifting to sustainable farming in a way that is fair to farmers, workers, and rural communities. It includes financial support, training, and clear incentives for eco-friendly practices. This is crucial to avoid social and economic hardship during policy changes. For example, smaller farms may need special grants. In 2025, this idea is central to EU agricultural reform discussions.
5. When will the EU present its post-2027 agriculture policy proposal?
The European Commission will present its proposal for post-2027 agriculture policy in July 2025. This document will outline future spending, sustainability goals, and subsidy rules under the CAP. It’s important because it will define farming conditions and food policy for years ahead. Stakeholders across the EU are awaiting its release. The timing coincides with rising demands for environmental reform.
6. How do subsidies affect farming practices in the EU?
Subsidies are financial supports that influence what and how farmers grow; they can encourage either sustainable or harmful methods. In the EU, most subsidies still go to large-scale, intensive farming, contributing to biodiversity loss and pollution. Redirecting these funds can promote healthier practices like organic farming. For example, subsidies could reward farmers planting wildflower strips. In 2025, reforming this system is urgent.
7. What is biodiversity loss, and why does it matter for agriculture?
Biodiversity loss is the decline of species like bees, birds, and soil organisms that are vital to farming systems. Without them, pollination fails, pests spread, and soil degrades. This threatens food production and ecosystem balance. For instance, fewer pollinators mean lower fruit yields. In 2025, reversing biodiversity loss is a top priority in EU agricultural reform.
8. How does climate change affect European farming?
Climate change leads to more heatwaves, droughts, and floods, making farming riskier and less predictable. This affects yields, livestock health, and water availability. Farmers need policies and ecosystems that help them adapt, such as crop insurance and healthy soil systems. For example, drought-resistant crops are gaining attention in 2025. The CAP must support resilience against these threats.
9. What is the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture?
The Strategic Dialogue, launched in late 2024 by Ursula von der Leyen, brought together stakeholders to shape a shared vision for EU farming. It included NGOs, farming unions, and industry players. Its key conclusion was that current systems are unsustainable and need systemic reform. This dialogue informs the 2025 CAP proposal. It’s a unique moment of cross-sector consensus.
10. Why is €35 billion being proposed for nature restoration?
Environmental groups are urging the EU to allocate €35 billion annually to farming practices that restore and protect ecosystems. This includes funding for hedgerow planting, wetland restoration, and sustainable grazing. It’s essential for fighting climate change, protecting wildlife, and supporting eco-friendly farmers. For example, creating buffer zones around fields improves water quality. This funding is central to 2025 CAP debates.
