Von der Leyen says polarization over agriculture can only be resolved through dialogue

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this Thursday in Brussels that she believes only through dialogue can the “growing divisions and polarization” on issues related to agriculture be overcome.

“We all feel that there is a growing division and polarization when it comes to issues related to agriculture, and I believe that we can overcome this polarization, which is often emphasized, only through dialogue,” he said, speaking at the opening Strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the European Union (EU).

The community executive leader also spoke of the need to find “a new consensus on the issues we are all struggling with,” such as improving living standards and the attractiveness of the agricultural sector, its sustainability, the use of technology and food. system.

Von der Leyen also said the sector must take this opportunity to “find consensus and a common vision for the way forward”, acknowledging that this will not be an easy task.

Recognizing that agriculture has been particularly affected by the crises caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the inflation crisis, the President of the European Commission stressed that the agri-food sector in the EU needs a “long-term view”. “, which also allows it to address issues such as external competition, climate change and demographics, among others.

The Strategic Dialogue, chaired by German academic Peter Stroschneider, brings together representatives of the sector, non-governmental organizations, civil society, financial institutions and universities in Brussels.

After the first session, thematic meetings will be held in the first half of the year.

The initiative comes amid protests by farmers in the EU, especially in France, Germany and Poland, especially against environmental policies that affect them.