Uusimaa stresses the importance of innovation in EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food
In February, the European Commission published its Vision for Agriculture and Food. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council wants to actively participate in the discussion on the guiding principles of the EU’s future agricultural and food policy. In cooperation with the Helsinki EU Office and stakeholders, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council has prepared a position paper that brings together our Region’s views on the Commission’s vision.
The vision sets out a roadmap for future strategic proposals to improve the attractiveness of the agricultural and food sector and to create a stable operating environment for actors throughout the food chain. It also outlines the priorities for the future Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027.
Helsinki-Uusimaa paves the way towards sustainable and regenerative food system
The Helsinki -Uusimaa Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Europe and the second most innovative region in Europe (EU Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2023). Although in land area our region covers only 3% of Finland, the region Helsinki-Uusimaa is home to a third of the country’s population, around 1.8 million inhabitants.
– In addition to our strong agricultural and primary food production, Helsinki-Uusimaa is a centre of Finland’s international competitiveness, research and development. Maintaining sustainable food production in the region is a sustainability and security of supply issue at regional, national and European level, says Tuija Telén, Regional Mayor of Helsinki-Uusimaa.
In addition to primary production, our Region is actively developing new types of food system innovations with significant international potential. Investing in research, development and innovation (RDI), introducing new digital solutions and ensuring the necessary skills are key prerequisites for increasing the competitiveness of the European agri-food sector.
If Europe wants to keep pace with the development of food innovation and actively seek new, sustainable solutions to secure food supply in the future, it will need to increase its funding for research, development and innovation, and reduce the regulatory burden that slows down market access for new innovations.
Europe’s agricultural sector also has an important role to play in the transition to a low-carbon economy. To achieve Europe’s climate goals, the EU must invest in the introduction of new solutions to reduce emissions from the agricultural sector and actively invest in renewable energy.
Helsinki-Uusimaa Region’s recommendations to ensure the success and effectiveness of the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food:
- To ensure food security and security of supply, the self-sufficiency of European countries in food production must be supported and maintained.
- The resilience of European food production to crises needs to be monitored. Preventive measures must be taken to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
- The transparency and simplification of EU regulatory processes needs to be increased. Reduced regulation must not undermine corporate responsibility, and environmental protection must not be compromised.
- The potential of new food innovations and technologies must be better reflected in EU food policy.
- Adequate funding for research, development and innovation in the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework must be ensured.
- Public support and incentives are needed to support the profitability of European food production, enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices and new business models and technologies.
- Incentives to reduce carbon emissions are needed to ensure the competitiveness of the European agri-food sector.
- The EU must ensure its energy self-sufficiency by actively investing in renewable energy production and seeking solutions to reduce fertiliser use.
- The security and cyber-security of digital systems in the food chain needs to be strengthened.
For more information:
Ida Honkanen
International Adviser
ida.honkanen@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Helsinki Smart Region, implementation of strategy for smart specialisation, international visits
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