In a bid to foster greater collaboration and reduce polarization in the agri-food policy debate, the European Commission has established a new advisory body. The European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) aims to bring together diverse stakeholders from across the agri-food sector to help shape future policies and ensure a sustainable, competitive, and resilient food system.
A New Approach to Stakeholder Engagement
The board, which builds on the earlier Strategic Dialogue initiated by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will consist of up to 30 member organizations representing farmers, other food supply chain actors, and NGOs. This inclusive approach aims to address past criticisms that the earlier dialogue excluded key players such as the pesticide lobby and the EU’s agriculture machinery industry.
EBAF will provide valuable input into the upcoming Vision for Agriculture and Food, a strategic policy document expected to be released by Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen in February 2025. To ensure broad representation, the Commission has opened the board’s membership to applications, with the selection process emphasizing geographical diversity, expertise, and registration in the EU’s transparency register. The first meeting of the board is scheduled for early 2025.
