Congress of European farmers to launch debate on agricultural policy

A congress of European farmers will be held in Brussels on October 7 to launch a debate on how the new Common Agricultural Policy can benefit family farms, agri co-operatives, rural development, growth, and jobs.

Copa-Cogeca, which represents the voice of 26m European farmers and their families and 38,000 agri co-ops, is organising the event. It believes European farmers and co-ops play a vital role in producing food and services for 500m consumers while ensuring growth and employment.

Yet, it says, they are being confronted by increasing challenges such as extreme price volatility, costly regulations and obligations, as well as climate change.