The vision for agriculture and food

The Ministers kicked off the meeting with a policy debate on the vision for agriculture and food, which was published by the Commission on 19 February 2025.

During their discussion, ministers stressed the need for the common agricultural policy to have an appropriate and separate budget based on two pillars, as well as the importance of continued support for rural areas.

– Ministers unanimously stressed the need for an appropriate budget, that matches the challenges and expectations facing agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining the two-pillar structure — ensuring evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes. All changes must come from dialogue with farmers. From the start of the presidency, we have emphasized that nothing in agriculture should happens without the involvement of farmers – underlined Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski.

Overall, member states welcomed the vision, and in particular its emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector and the importance of promoting farming as a career choice for future generations. The Council also welcomed the focus on competitiveness and on ensuring decent and fair incomes for farmers.

– Competitiveness and resilience influence the functioning of agriculture and whether young people will want to take over farms and stay in rural areas. Innovation and technology can give agriculture a competitive edge – if backed by the right investments. Young farmers are open to innovation, and its implementation can make agriculture a far more attractive career path – said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland Czesław Siekierski.

The future of the common fisheries policy

In the afternoon session, ministers held an informal discussion on the future of the common fisheries policy (CFP).

The discussion took place against the backdrop of the ongoing evaluation of the CFP, and in light of the European Commission's broader simplification objectives. Ministers also discussed the upcoming European ocean pact as part of the broader vision for resilient, competitive and sustainable European fisheries and aquaculture with a 2040 perspective.

– Today we discussed issues relating to the common fisheries policy with Commissioner Costas Kadis because fishing is an important element of food security – one of the main priorities of the Polish Presidency – said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Jacek Czerniak who chaired the afternoon session of Agrifish Council.

More information on the main results of Agrifish Council is available on the official website of the Council of the European Union.

Event page: Agriculture and Fisheries Council 24/3/2025.