The aim is to develop policies that ensure fairer forms of competition

Work for a sustainable agriculture

Producing food sustainably also involves transforming the way we farm and manage our resources. To this end, Europe has its sights set on 2040.

BY Enric Ros | 07 October 2026

In much of Europe, the concentration of economic activity in large urban centres has, for a long time, led to a certain deterioration of rural areas. Today, however, we are more aware that agriculture and food production serve to ensure healthy and sustainable diets in a more self-sufficient way.

For this reason, in 2025 the European Commission presented a document entitled Vision for agriculture and food which aims to set out a strategic roadmap so that, by 2040, a substantial redefinition can take place. The aim is to have a stronger and more innovative agri-food sector that benefits both farmers and consumers. Below, we summarise some of its main conclusions.

 

How can we achieve a prosperous agri-food sector? 

To meet this goal, the Commission has focused on four key strands.

  • Increase attractiveness: Agriculture must be a viable and also more desirable career for future generations. This implies support from public authorities, fairer incomes and a strong, well-structured food chain.
  • Prepare for the future: The European agricultural sector must be able to move towards a low-carbon economy. To this end, the European Union (EU) will promote farming practices that help protect natural resources and improve the biological condition of the soil.
  • Be more competitive and resilient: The aim is to develop policies that prioritise food security, diversify supply chains and ensure fairer forms of competition. The crises that will inevitably come must become a source of new opportunities. 
  • Value food and people: Current ways of living have promoted a type of diet that is globalised, rushed and often excessively disconnected from the local area. We need to reconnect people with food and also with the landscape, traditions and cultural heritage of their surroundings. At the same time, we must work to reduce food waste and respond to social concerns such as animal welfare.  

 

Action is urgent

Although the media never stop talking about sustainability, the truth is that we are not doing enough. This is confirmed by the latest European Sustainable Development Report, which can be consulted on the website of the Spanish Network for Sustainable Development (SDSN Spain).

The report confirms that, for the moment, no European country has achieved — nor is on track to achieve — the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In fact, the progress recorded has slowed in recent times, even going into reverse (in the case of Spain, for example, we have gone from 20th to 22nd place in the ranking of the 41 countries studied).

The most pressing outstanding issues at global scale are: Climate Action (SDG 13), Biodiversity and Ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

 

What should global production be?

The European Commission has proposed limits within which global food production should remain in order to reduce the risk of irreversible or potentially catastrophic changes for the planet.

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