Several bodies and lobby groups in the EU agri-sector have called for the European agri-food chain to be placed at the core of the EU's competitiveness agenda.

A joint statement from several groups - including Copa Cogeca, which represents EU farm organisations and agricultural co-operatives - said that agriculture and food "have always been at the heart of the European project, a pillar of our economy, our security and our way of life".

"It is a strategic sector of the economy, be it at EU or national level," the statement said.

The statement was released ahead of an informal meeting of EU leaders tomorrow (Thursday, February 12).

Including Copa Cogeca, the joint statement was made on behalf of some 40 different organisations, representing a range of sectors including primary producers, processors, contractors, young farmers, veterinary medicines, agri-food trade, machinery, plant protection, biofuel, breeders, landowners, and animal feed.

The statement said: "In a world shaped by geopolitical instability, conflict and uncertainty, farmers and all actors along the value chain, remain a stabilising force and a strategic asset for food security, resilience, sustainability, culture and peace.

"The sector's potential to contribute to the EU's strategic goals, ranging from economic competitiveness to security, must be recognised," the statement added.

"Global uncertainty; legal uncertainty; growing regulatory complexity; outdated rules that hinder innovation; and rising administrative burdens are putting entire value chains at risk," the statement said.

"These obstacles delay essential investments, weaken resilience, slow innovation and make it harder to deliver the transitions society expects," it added.

The EU sector stakeholders called on the EU to strengthen its strategic independence and security by investing in its agriculture and food sector.

"This means securing agricultural productivity and reliable supplies across all regions of the EU, ensuring food remains affordable for consumers, preserving the diversity of production, assuring generation renewal, maintaining highest quality and safety standards, and contributing to Europe’s overall growth and preparedness," the statement said.

The statement called for "genuine simplification" for farmers, food processors and all actors across the value chain.

Despite some simplifications being delivered, the joint statement called on EU institutions to "go further" by updating legislation which currently discourages innovation and slows down permitting.

"If Europe is committed about strengthening its strategic independence, it must start with agriculture and food," the statement said.