The European Commission pushes for sustainability in agriculture and rural areas across the EU through the common agricultural policy (CAP).

Agriculture occupies a unique position at the heart of the European Union’s society, environment and economy.

The common agricultural policy is key to securing the future of agriculture and forestry, as well as achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal.

The link between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet puts sustainable food systems at the heart of the European Green Deal, the EU’s sustainable and inclusive growth strategy. It is designed to boost the economy, improve people's health and quality of life, and care for nature.

The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal aiming to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly.

Three quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas and are largely dependent on farming. Moreover, in developing countries, the livelihood of most people derives from agriculture, especially small-scale farming. By stimulating investments and supporting innovation in this sector, we foster inclusive growth and help our partner countries better feed their population, while protecting their natural resources.

Food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture was the first common priority research and innovation area, as part of the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Science, Technology and Innovation, embedded in the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES). The partnership and roadmap were endorsed at the AU-EU Summit in 2017.