Lukewarm reactions to the Strategic Dialogue report in the Parliament 

On 16 September, the European Parliament held a plenary session to discuss the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture and its final document. Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, representing the European Commission, presented the outcomes of the dialogue, emphasizing that it was a productive initiative that brought together all relevant stakeholders, helping to bridge the divide between agriculture and environmental concerns that has emerged in recent years. However, McGuinness clarified that the final document from the strategic dialogue is not a formal proposal from the Commission, which has instead committed to publishing the Vision on the Future of Agriculture within the first 100 days of the Von der Leyen II mandate.

Numerous MEPs participated in the debate, including those from committees other than agriculture. While most acknowledged the positive aspects of the document and agreed on the importance of consulting all involved actors, several voiced significant criticisms. Cristina Maestre (ES, S&D) and Céline Imart (FR, EPP) both pointed to the document’s insufficient focus on competitiveness, stressing that agricultural profitability and productivity must be central to future policies.

S&D COMAGRI coordinator Dario Nardella (IT) also underscored the importance of competitiveness in his remarks, connecting the issue to the Draghi report, and highlighting the need for innovation and resources to ensure a just transition within the agricultural sector. Similarly, Herbert Dorfmann (IT, EPP AGRI coordinator) and Veronika Vrecionova (ECR, Chair of COMAGRI) stressed the European Parliament’s crucial role in shaping the next CAP reform, emphasizing that the Strategic Dialogue serves as a first base for further discussion.

Several MEPs, including Carlo Fidanza (IT, ECR COMAGRI cordinator) and Céline Imart(FR, EPP), criticized the document for merely reflecting the goals of the Farm to Fork strategy, without delivering the anticipated paradigm shift in response to recent farmer protests. Benoit Cassart (BE, Renew) focused his intervention on the livestock sector and the need for mirror clauses in international trade agreements.

Finally, some MEPs expressed support for many elements of the document, particularly regarding the essential ecological transition in agriculture. Notably, Maria Noichl (DE, S&D), Camilla Laureti (IT, S&D), and Thomas Waitz (AT, Green coordinator in COMAGRI) highlighted the importance of addressing environmental concerns in shaping the future of the agricultural sector.