Small farms make up the vast majority of the EU's 10 million farms. Recent studies have lowered past estimates of how much of the global food supply is produced by small farms. Notwithstanding the complex nature of such estimates and the possible under-estimation of small operators' production because of self consumption, it is clear that small farms allocate larger shares of their production to food and have a more diversified produce portfolio than larger farms. In addition to producing food, small farms are typically associated with protecting landscape features and biodiversity and the notion of providing public goods.

EPRS policy podcast - Small farms' role in the EU food system

Launched on 20 May 2020, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy put forward the EU’s ambition for making its food system a model of sustainability at all stages of the food value chain.

This strategy is at the heart of the Green Deal. It addresses comprehensively the challenges of sustainable food systems and recognises the inextricable links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. Ensuring a sustainable livelihood for primary producers, who still lag behind in terms of income, is essential for the success of the recovery and the transition.

The Farm to Fork strategy aims to accelerate our transition to a sustainable food system that should have neutral and positive environmental impact, help mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact. It should also reverse the loss of biodiversity, ensure food security, nutrition and public health, making sure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe nutritious, sustainable food, preserve affordability of food while generating fairer economic returns, fostering competitivness of the EU supply sector and promoting fair trade.

A shift to a sustainable food system can bring environmental, health and social benefits, offer economic gains and ensure that the recovery from the crisis puts us onto a sustainable path.

Farm to fork

Launched in 1962, the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers. It aims to: support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food; safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living; help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources; maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU; keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.

The CAP is a common policy for all EU countries. It is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget. CAP 2023-27 To consolidate the role of European agriculture for the future, the CAP has evolved over the years to meet changing economic circumstances and citizens’ requirements and needs.

The CAP 2023-27 entered into force on 1 January 2023.&nbsp;Support for farmers and rural stakeholders across the 27 EU countries is based on the CAP 2023-27 legal framework and the choices detailed in the&nbsp;CAP Strategic Plans, approved by the Commission. The approved Plans are designed to make a significant contribution to the ambitions of the&nbsp;European Green Deal,&nbsp;Farm to Fork Strategy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Biodiversity Strategy.

Common agricultural policy (CAP)

Press conference - Geographical indications for wine and agri products

Press conference on Strengthening farmers positions in the food supply chain

Press conference on Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products

EP Plenary session - Debate - Geographical Indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products

Press conference on European Union geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products.

EP Plenary session - Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products

EP Plenary session - The role of farmers as enablers of the green transition and a resilient agricultural sector

ENVI - AGRI joint Committee - ' Farm to Fork strategy -  impact on agriculture and food systems '

EP Plenary session - A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Thomas BYRNE, Irish Minister of State, on behalf of the Irish Presidency, sign four COD LEX texts on Strengthening of position of farmers, end-of-life-vehicles, Digital Omnibus on AI and Waste Shipment

LEX siging ceremony in the presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Thomas BYRNE, Irish Minister of State,on behalf of the Irish Presidency

Rapporteur Céline IMART (EPP, FR) holds a press conference on strengthening farmers positions in the food supply chain.

Press conference by Céline IMART (EPP, FR), rapporteur on Strengthening farmers positions in the food supply chain

MEPs vote on the following items: Rule of Law in Malta: 6 years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the need to protect journalists; the European protein strategy - Wiesner; the Generational renewal in the EU farms of the future - Carvalhais

Voting session (part 2)

The common agricultural policy (CAP) has three clear environmental goals, which are echoed in the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy: tackling climate change, protecting natural resources and enhancing biodiversity. These goals are supported by the CAP’s promotion of organic farming and the responsible management of inputs like pesticides and fertilisers. The CAP aims to reach its environmental goals in a way that is socially and economically sustainable for farmers and rural communities. This infoclip illustrates an example of a sustainable farm in Enghien, Belgium.

Infoclip: Sustainable agriculture

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. Extracts from the debate (31/05), extracts from the vote, and statement by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: extracts from the debate (31/05), extracts from the vote, and statement by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur

A press conference takes place to update on new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products and MEP's request for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Paolo de CASTRO (S&D, IT) rapporteur and Norbert LINS (EPP,DE) Chair of the AGRI Committee on European Union geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups. Closing statements by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture and by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur.

Geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products: closing statements by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture and by Paolo DE CASTRO (S&D, IT), Rapporteur

MEPs debate new rules on EU geographical indications to protect the quality of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. They call for better online protection of registered agricultural products, avoid abuse of registered products used as ingredients and propose more rights and financial support for recognised producer groups.

farm to fork (T)

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