“SMEs play a key role in rural and coastal areas, providing in day-to-day needs, employment, economic stability and social cohesion. They are a crucial partner for farmers as well, as suppliers and in processing the agricultural produce. Often preserving local traditions. To ensure the proposals in the vision for agriculture and food actually work, it is important to involve SME stakeholders in the design and implementation of these policies”, stated SMEunited Secretary General Véronique Willems in a first reaction to the publication of the Vision for Agriculture and Food.
Food processing SMEs and artisanal food producers play an essential role in Europe’s agrifood landscape. These businesses uphold traditional techniques, contribute to regional identity, and add significant value to agricultural raw materials.
The Vision for Agriculture and Food should acknowledge the interdependence between farmers and these locally rooted SMEs. Strengthening short supply chains and enhancing market access for artisanal and high-quality food products will ensure that Europe’s rich culinary heritage continues to thrive in a modern, competitive agri-food sector.
Similar to farmers, issues such as generational change, unfair trading practices and declining rural areas also affect SMEs in rural and coastal areas. Hence, SMEunited calls for a meaningful involvement of SMEs.
As part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food, SMEunited welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for an updated EU Rural Action Plan and the introduction of a ‘rural proofing principle’ aimed at revitalising rural areas. We strongly support participatory development tools such as LEADER, community-led local development, and Smart Villages, which should be further strengthened to drive local economic growth and innovation. SMEunited emphasises the importance of reconnecting food with its local origins by highlighting the importance of territory, seasonality and cultural traditions. In order to ensure that different perspectives are represented, we also urge the inclusion of SME representatives in the forthcoming Food Dialogue.
The proposed revision of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive should extend its scope and introduce new prohibitions on buyer threats and forced overstocking of perishable goods. In addition, harmonised sanctions and improved cross-border enforcement should ensure fair practices. SMEunited welcomes the focus on the transition of local agri-food SMEs and call for the inclusion of SME representatives in the Transition Pathway platform. Furthermore, we note the efforts to improve the Agri-Food Code of Conduct to ensure better representation of SMEs.
