Joint Press Release – European primary producers call for ambitious EU Bioeconomy Strategy to recognise the key role of our agriculture and forestry sectors

Today CEPF, COPA-COGECA, and EUSTAFOR hosted discussions in Brussels on “Boosting Competitive and Resilient Agricultural and Forest-Based Bioeconomy in the EU” to explore how the EU can leverage its bioeconomy to enhance strategic autonomy, sustainability and rural development.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen recalled that “Farmers and foresters provide many different securities. Not only they deliver on food security, but they also play a role in energy security where there is a huge untapped potential, as well as they develop rural areas”.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instability and climate challenges, the organisations emphasised the critical role of a decentralised and competitive bioeconomy. One that places the sustainable production and use of biomass at its core. The new EU Bioeconomy Strategy should recognise the full potential of farmers, forest owners and managers in supporting Europe’s green transition and in tackling climate change mitigation by replacing fossil-based materials and fuels.

Commissioner declared “We should refrain from introducing new regulations that would create administrative burden. Rather, we should recognise that European farm and forest products are already subject to sustainability criteria which are among the highest in the world”.

This morning’s event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and concrete
examples of how farmers and agri-cooperatives, as well as forest owners and managers are driving the transition towards a circular, bio-based economy. The discussions emphasised the need for trust, policy coherence and support, stability, research and innovation, as well as strong cooperation to unlock the full potential of Europe’s renewable resources.

For further information, please contact:

Dajana Kojic
Office Manager
dajana.kojic@cepf-eu.org

Oana Neagu
Director, General Affairs
oana.neagu@copa-cogeca.eu

EUSTAFOR Office
+32 (0)2 239 23 00
office@eustafor.eu

CEPF The Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF) represents national forest owner organisations in Europe. At EU level, CEPF promotes the values of sustainable forest management, private property ownership and forest sectors’ economic viability.

Copa and Cogeca are the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. Together, we ensure that EU agriculture is sustainable, innovative and competitive, while guaranteeing food security for 500 million people throughout Europe.

EUSTAFOR represents 39 state forest organizations in 27 European countries, together sustainably managing over 54 million hectares of forests. EUSTAFOR promotes the positive impact of state forest management on society, aligning with and aiming to reach European sustainability goals.