Ahead of Leaders’ Retreat, Agri-Food Chain Calls for Stronger EU Support

Written on 02/11/2026
Seed World Staff

Ahead of the EU Leaders’ Retreat on 12 February, 40 agri-food organisations urge EU institutions to put agriculture and food at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness strategy. The €1 trillion EU agri-food value chain underpins food security, resilience and jobs, but faces rising regulatory complexity, administrative burdens and global uncertainty. Signatories call for simplification, investment and innovation to boost productivity, circularity and strategic independence. They back Commission efforts, urging further legislative modernisation.

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Ahead of the EU Leaders’ Retreat on 12 February, 40 signatory organisations from across the agri-food chain call on EU institutions to place agriculture and food at the centre of Europe’s competitiveness strategy.

With more than €1 trillion in gross value added, the agri-food value chain is a strategic pillar of the EU economy and a cornerstone of food security and resilience. Yet the sector is under growing pressure from global and legal uncertainty, rising regulatory complexity, and increasing administrative burdens — factors that delay investment and slow innovation, according to a press release on the Euroseeds website.

The joint statement — posted on the Euroseeds website — urges EU leaders to strengthen Europe’s strategic independence by investing in agricultural productivity, innovation, and circularity, while safeguarding affordable food, high standards, and generational renewal. Signatories welcome the Commission’s commitment to simplification and competitiveness, but stress that further legislative modernisation—and continued Omnibus efforts—are necessary to deliver meaningful change.

Putting simplification, investment, and innovation at the heart of the EU agenda is essential to securing the resilience, security, and long-term competitiveness of Europe’s agri-food sector.

Read the statement here.

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