SDP Members of the Grand Committee: Innovation and climate are key priorities for Social Democrats in EU agriculture
The Grand Committee discussed the European Commission’s communication on the Vision for Agriculture and Food at its meeting on May 28. The Social Democratic members of the committee emphasized the importance of innovation and climate as central themes.
The committee viewed the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food positively and aligned with Finland’s objectives. According to the Commission, strong and competitive food production should be seen as part of the European Union’s strategic autonomy and preparedness.
The communication highlights that agriculture and food, including fisheries, are strategic sectors for the Union, providing safe and high-quality food for 450 million Europeans and playing a key role in global food security. The communication also refers to President Sauli Niinistö’s report, which identifies food as one of the most critical sectors for citizens.
The Social Democratic members of the Grand Committee supported the Finnish Government’s position, with some additions:
“Finland has a strong comparative advantage in innovative food production methods that are independent of land use and climate conditions and make use of advanced technologies.
However, Finnish novel food companies have faced disproportionate regulatory requirements within the European Union. There is a serious risk that sustainable innovations, essential for food security and supply preparedness, will move outside the EU unless the approval procedures are significantly accelerated.
When it comes to plant-based proteins, it would be in the interest of Finnish expertise, climate goals, and businesses for the EU to take a more proactive and strategic approach to promoting plant proteins as part of sustainable food production,” the Social Democratic members of the committee stated.
Food is also part of the EU’s economic competitiveness. In 2022, the agriculture and food sector generated more than €900 billion in added value and employed nearly 30 million people across the EU.
