The European Commission has officially launched the European Agriculture and Food Board (EBAF), a key recommendation from the strategic Dialog on the Future of Agriculture. This 30-member board will provide crucial advice to Commissioner Christoph Hansen for the next five years.
The Commission issued an open invitation for applications to join the board yesterday.EBAF will comprise representatives from three key stakeholder groups: the farming community, other actors within the food supply chain, and civil society organizations focused on areas such as habitat and climate, animal welfare, and consumer issues. A balanced depiction from these groups is essential, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise.
Organizations interested in joining EBAF must demonstrate extensive expertise in agriculture and food-related fields at the EU level and showcase a broad geographical representation across member states. They are also required to be registered in the EU clarity register. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2025. Following a thorough evaluation process, the Commission aims to finalize the board members in early 2025, with the first meeting scheduled shortly thereafter.
“The European Agriculture and Food Council aims to support a new culture of dialogue, trust, and multi-stakeholder participation among actors in the food supply chain and civil society, and also with the Commission,” said Commissioner Hansen.
EBAF will play a vital role in providing high-level advice to the Commission on implementing the strategic Dialogue report’s recommendations and shaping the vision for agriculture and food in the EU. This vision will be presented within the first 100 days of the Commission’s mandate.
Members will be encouraged to foster understanding and exchange experiences among themselves, paying particular attention to the coherence and synergy of EU policies and their alignment with private sector initiatives. The Council is established for a five-year term and is expected to meet between two and six times annually. Commissioner Hansen may convene additional meetings when urgent advice is required.
A groundbreaking finding in bulgaria has unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts, shedding new light on the region’s rich history. Archaeologists excavating near the city of Plovdiv stumbled upon a remarkable collection of objects dating back to the Thracian civilization, a powerful and enigmatic culture that flourished in the Balkans millennia ago.
“This is a truly extraordinary find,” declared Dr.ivan Ivanov, the lead archaeologist on the project. “These artifacts offer invaluable insights into the daily life, beliefs, and artistic prowess of the Thracians.”
Among the most notable discoveries are intricately crafted gold jewelry,pottery adorned with elaborate designs,and weapons forged with remarkable skill. The artifacts, remarkably well-preserved, paint a vivid picture of Thracian society, known for its skilled artisans, warriors, and complex religious practices.
The Thracians, who inhabited the region from the 12th century BC until the Roman conquest in the 1st century AD, left behind a legacy shrouded in mystery.Their culture, characterized by its unique blend of Greek and indigenous influences, has fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries.
“We are only beginning to unravel the secrets of the Thracian civilization,” Dr. Ivanov remarked. “This discovery promises to considerably advance our understanding of their culture and their place in ancient history.”
The artifacts will be carefully studied and conserved before being displayed in a museum, allowing the public to marvel at these treasures from a bygone era. The discovery is expected to draw international attention, further cementing Bulgaria’s reputation as a land of archaeological wonders.
The excavation site near Plovdiv is expected to yield further discoveries in the coming months, promising even more revelations about the interesting Thracian civilization.
## New Agriculture Board Aims to Shape EU Food Future: An Expert Interview
**World Today News**: The European Commission has just launched the European Agriculture and Food board (EBAF).This new body will play a pivotal role in advising Commissioner Christoph Hansen on future agricultural policy. We spoke to Dr. Anya Petrova,a leading agricultural policy expert at the University of Brussels,to gain insights into the board’s formation,its potential impact,and the challenges it might face.
**World Today News**: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us.can you shed some light on the importance of EBAF’s launch?
**dr. Petrova**: It’s a significant moment for European agriculture. The creation of EBAF is a direct result of the strategic Dialog on the Future of Agriculture, highlighting the commission’s commitment to a more inclusive and collaborative approach to food policy.
This board, composed of 30 members representing farmers, food chain actors, and civil society organizations, will bring valuable diverse perspectives to the table. This multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for tackling the complex challenges facing the agricultural sector, from sustainability concerns to food security and changing consumer demands.
**World Today News**: What specific expertise and portrayal are expected from the board members?
**Dr. Petrova**:
The Commission has clearly stated that they are looking for organizations wiht demonstrable expertise in agriculture and food-related fields at the EU level. Geographical representation across member states is also crucial to ensure that the diverse voices and needs of European farmers are heard.
Beyond technical expertise, EBAF will benefit from members who can represent the interests of various stakeholders, including environmental groups, consumer organizations, and those advocating for animal welfare.This balanced representation is key to fostering constructive dialogue and finding solutions that consider the multifaceted aspects of food production.
**World Today News**: What are some key challenges EBAF might encounter in its initial stages and beyond?
**Dr.Petrova**:
While EBAF has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change, there are some hurdles it needs to overcome.
Firstly, striking a balance between the diverse interests represented on the board will be crucial. Finding common ground and reaching consensus on complex issues could be a challenging but essential task.
Secondly, ensuring that the board’s advice is translated into concrete actions by the Commission will be crucial.The success of EBAF will be measured by its ability to influence policy in a meaningful way and drive tangible change within the agricultural sector.
maintaining openness and accountability throughout the board’s operations will be vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring that its work truly reflects the needs and aspirations of European citizens.
**World Today News**: What specific impact do you anticipate EBAF having on the future of EU agriculture?
**Dr. Petrova**:
I believe EBAF has the potential to shape the future of EU agriculture in a number of ways.
Firstly,it can help foster a more lasting and resilient agricultural system by promoting practices that protect the environment,conserve biodiversity,and mitigate climate change.
Secondly, EBAF can play a role in strengthening the position of European farmers in the global market by supporting innovation, competitiveness, and access to new markets.
the board can contribute to building a more just and equitable food system by promoting fair trade practices, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and improving access to healthy and affordable food for all citizens.
**World today news**: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights. It seems that EBAF has the potential to usher in a new era of collaboration and progress in European agriculture.
**Dr. Petrova**:
You’re welcome. The launch of EBAF is a promising step, and I am hopeful that it will contribute to a more sustainable, just, and thriving food system for Europe.
