Formally established on 5 December, the board is the result of a process initiated in September 2023, when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture during her State of the Union address. Launched in January 2024, this dialogue brought together key stakeholders from Europe’s agri-food sectors, civil society, rural communities, and academia to forge a shared understanding and vision for the future of European agriculture and food systems.
What the Ebaf will do
This advisory body is tasked with providing high-level recommendations to the Commission on the follow-up to the strategic dialogue’s conclusions. It will also contribute to the development of a vision for agriculture and food, set to be presented within the first 100 days of the new Commission’s mandate.
The Ebaf aims to foster a culture of dialogue, trust, and participation among stakeholders in the food chain, civil society, and the Commission itself. The board will be chaired by Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.
“Agriculture is at the heart of Europe’s future. Today, we carry forward the energy of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture to build trust and unite people. The European Board on Agriculture and Food must address the full complexity of the agri-food value chain, supporting our farmers and promoting a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food system,” President von der Leyen stated.
How it will operate
The Ebaf will encourage EU Member States to exchange knowledge and experiences, emphasising policy coherence and synergy within the Union and alignment with private sector initiatives.
The board will be established for a five-year term and is expected to meet two to six times a year. However, Commissioner Hansen can call for additional meetings if urgent consultations are required.
Structure and membership
The board will comprise up to 30 organisations, representing three categories of stakeholders: The agricultural community, Other players in the food supply chain, Civil society, including sectors such as the environment, climate, animal welfare, and consumer rights.
A balanced representation of these three groups is a key principle for the board. Organisations applying for membership must be registered in the Transparency Register and demonstrate expertise relevant to agriculture and food at the EU level. Additionally, they must showcase broad geographical representation across Member States.
Through this initiative, the Ebaf aims to strengthen cooperation and innovation, paving the way for a sustainable future for European agriculture and food systems.
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