PL. Speech - Europe's Place In World Agriculture

European agriculture is at the heart of the European economy and society and is the backbone of our rural communities. Our model of agriculture is often referred to as ‘multifunctional’. This means that society not only requires that we produce food but that we combine this with the production of public goods and services. To define our place in world agriculture this dual role needs to be understood by consumers and trading partners alike.

European agriculture needs to focus on quality and innovation to accomplish its rightful position on the world stage. We need to tell consumers about our high standards of production and about the huge advantages of buying European. In short we need to explain to them why European farming matters.