Speech by President von der Leyen at the General Assembly of the Federation of Swedish Farmers, via video message

Speech by President von der Leyen

Dear friends of the Federation of Swedish Farmers, thank you for the invitation.

I regret that I cannot join you in person in Stockholm for your General Assembly. But I would like to send my warmest regards, and assure you of the huge importance we attach to your work.

Farming is part of our culture and oldest stories. In Sweden, you celebrate Walpurgis Night to mark the arrival of Spring, and the start of the growing season. This is a tradition we have in Germany, too. It speaks for the close relationship we share with the land – a connection that you, as stewards of the land, keep alive. Day-in and day-out, farmers across Europe care for their land, to provide us with high-quality food. But you are facing a growing host of challenges. From global market instabilities triggered by conflicts,to volatile prices,to the severe impacts of climate changesuch as droughts, wildfires, and floods. Not only do we hear your concerns about the future – we are taking actions, at the European level, to support you immediately, as well as in the mid and long term.

I want to highlight three steps we've already implemented this year:

First, we started reducing the administrative burden to make your daily operations smoother.For example, we've exempted smaller farms, with less than 10 hectares, from controls and charges. Because doing more for the environment is also a matter of trust. And we trust you.

Second,we've adjusted - in record time - some parts of our Common Agricultural Policy, to give you more flexibility. If your field is flooded or your forest is burned because of extreme weather events, you deserve support, not penalties.

Third, we've heard your request to get a fair price for your products. I think, in our Union, no farmer should be forced to sell products below cost. As a first step, we have launched an observatory to create more transparency on the food value chain. Further measures will follow, to strengthen the negotiating power of farmers across this value chain.

We have a clear and simple goal: your hard work should pay off.

I know that on many systemic issues like these, there is no quick fix. For example, how can we encourage more young people into the profession? In Sweden, a new young farmer can already receive up to 32 000 euros in European funding to help set up their agricultural activity. Yet, we must do more to make farming an attractive career choice. And this starts by making it easier for this generation of farmers, and by giving a clear perspective to future generations of farmers. This is why I initiated a Strategic Dialogue on the Future Agriculture in the EU. Like you, I am eagerly awaiting the initial recommendations that will be announced this summer, because they will guide our efforts in the years to come.

As we continue this dialogue, you can count on Europe's unwavering support. We are as committed to the land as we are to our farmers, and we want to see you thrive.

I wish you a successful General Assembly. Tack, och lycka till.

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