In a high-level meeting that could shape the trajectory of European dairying over the coming decade, the European Dairy Association (EDA) leadership engaged in a strategic dialogue with senior EU officials at Luxlait’s headquarters in Luxembourg.
The EDA Praesidium, led by President Albert De Groot, met with EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and Anne Calteux, the European Commission’s Representative in Luxembourg. Gilles Gérard, CEO of Luxlait, one of Luxembourg’s leading dairy processors, hosted the discussions.
Described as “fruitful and forward-looking” by the EDA, the meeting focused on four pillars central to the European dairy agenda:
- The Future of European Agriculture
- European Dairy 2030 Vision
- Reforms under the Next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- International Trade Dynamics for Dairy
The talks underscored the EDA’s growing role as a bridge between policymakers and the industry, advocating for a dairy sector that is resilient, competitive, and aligned with Europe’s climate and trade ambitions.
“These dialogues are vital as we work to shape a resilient, innovative, and competitive dairy sector for the next generation,” the EDA stated in its official communication.
Building Momentum Toward European Dairy 2030
With the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy still under refinement, stakeholders are calling for a Common Agricultural Policy that supports environmental targets and ensures farmer viability and value chain stability. The European Dairy 2030 roadmap is expected to outline sustainability, innovation, trade resilience, and rural economic health commitments.
EDA’s recent interactions signal a sharpened focus on trade policy as global competition from markets like the U.S., New Zealand, and Latin America intensifies, alongside shifting demand for sustainable, high-protein dairy exports in Asia and the Middle East.
This engagement also follows rising calls from member states for simplified CAP compliance and enhanced support for family farms and dairy SMEs, which form the backbone of Europe’s rural economy.
EDA shared about the meeting via a LinkedIn post.
