European agriculture in the wake of globalisation: What are the prospects for its diversity

Abstract: The multifunctional European agricultural sector has not lost any of its significance for our society and our rural areas. Five building blocks and fields of action are of particular importance for the future: (1) Fulfilling our political responsibility in the current WTO negotiations, not only in economic, but also in social and ecological terms; (2) Recognising new opportunities and tapping into potential with foresight, potential which is currently becoming particularly apparent in the case of renewable resources; (3) Continuing to focus on the great strengths of the European agricultural sector: the long-term stability of our economic system, large market outlets virtually on our doorstep, high qualification and training levels, modern and efficient agricultural research systems and upstream and downstream industries, along with the wide variety of high-quality products and regional diversity; (4) Eliminating existing weaknesses, in particular by reducing bureaucratic obstacles; and (5) Early detection of threats and ensuring robustness and stability in European agri-food systems through development of adequate prevention and crisis response mechanisms. In this way, the 'European agricultural model' will become a motor for future development. After all, the multifaceted European agricultural sector can trigger and promote regional growth.

The author is the German Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.