EDA Applauds European Commission's Vision for Dairy Industry

The European Dairy Association (EDA) has expressed strong support for the European Commission's long-term vision for the agri-food sector. This plan emphasizes critical areas such as food security, sustainability, economic resilience, and market leadership, particularly in rural parts of Europe.

EDA Secretary General Alexander Anton praised EU Commissioner Christophe Hansen and his team for their strategic foresight. Anton highlighted the significance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in supporting the dairy industry's global leadership in production and processing.

The EDA also supports the focus on sustainable production and innovation, recognizing the importance of incentives for eco-friendly practices. The continuation of the EU School Food Scheme underlines the sector's role in public health, providing children with nutritious dairy products.

To ensure competitiveness, EDA stresses the necessity of a functional single market, minimizing regulatory fragmentation, and enabling seamless operations for businesses across Europe.

While the EDA lauds many aspects of the new vision, it insists on the importance of balancing trade opportunities with safeguards for European dairy production. It emphasizes the need for economic incentives and a science-driven approach to meet sustainability targets without imposing undue financial burdens on processors.

A well-supported CAP is crucial for industry competitiveness and the reduction of administrative burdens, allowing processors to concentrate on innovation. The strategy is also aimed at reinforcing global market presence and enabling long-term stability through policy reforms.

EDA looks forward to collaborating with the European Commission and Parliament to craft policies that bolster a strong, competitive, and sustainable dairy industry in Europe.