The Chamber of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives “Kooperacijos kelias”, representing the interests of the country’s farmers, cooperatives, and rural communities, express their concern about the increasing pressure on the agricultural sector across the European Union. Since the very beginning of the European project, agriculture has been one of its strategic pillars, ensuring economic stability, food security, and social cohesion. However, today farmers face growing challenges: rising production costs, an unpredictable legal environment, constantly changing requirements, and increasing competitive pressure from third countries.
Recognizing that European agriculture is approaching a critical turning point, we call for a strategic and responsible approach to these issues in shaping the future post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
- A strong and adequately funded CAP after 2027
We urge the preservation of a common, two-pillar structure and the establishment of stable, inflation-proof financing. A reliable budget is essential for investment, competitiveness, income stability, and food supply security throughout the EU.
- A fair and reciprocal trade policy
European producers must be guaranteed equal competitive conditions. Therefore, it’s important to:
- refrain from approving agreements that may threaten EU standards (e.g., Mercosur);
- ensure that imports from third countries are regulated according to the EU market’s absorption capacity;
- pursue fair tariff arrangements with strategic partners.
Only the principle of reciprocity can ensure that European farmers remain competitive.
- Real – not merely declarative – administrative simplification
The sector requires clearer, more coherent, and practically implementable regulation. In particular, it is necessary to:
- postpone the application of CBAM to fertilizers, as it would impose a disproportionate financial burden;
- simplify environmental requirements to ensure they are realistic and adequately funded;
- accelerate the approval process for safe plant protection products, applying the principle of not banning such products until alternatives are available.
- Completion of direct payments convergence
Current disparities in direct payments across Member States undermine the principles of fairness and equal competition. Completing the convergence process would ensure equal conditions for all EU farmers and strengthen the Union’s economic and social cohesion.
Lithuanian farmers are constructive and responsible European partners. The protest actions being organized across Europe on 18 December 2025 represent not only an expression of concern but also a clear call to give due attention to the future of the sector. We believe that farmers’ voices will be heard and that the decisions taken will strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable and safe food production in Europe.