Future Fields: Innovation, Sustainability and Competitiveness in the Next CAP

As the European Union prepares for the next reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), we stand at a critical juncture. The agricultural sector is under increasing pressure to deliver on the environmental objectives, ensure food security and productivity, and drive the energy transition while simultaneously responding to mounting geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, biodiversity loss, energy security concerns, and increasing pressure on farm incomes and competitiveness.

With such mounting pressures the development of a Common Agricultural Policy which provides support for both climate resilient actions and supports the competitiveness of European producers is critical.

The path to a sustainable and productive future relies heavily on innovation, and skill based leadership. 

However, as we look toward the future of CAP, it is crucial to recognise that agriculture does not stand alone. Forestry – despite its fundamental role in Europe’s land use, climate strategy, and bioeconomy – has historically received limited and fragmented support under the CAP framework. This omission is increasingly difficult to justify.

Europe’s forests are central to delivering climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, renewable materials, and energy security. They underpin a growing bioeconomy that reduces dependence on fossil-based resources while providing high-quality jobs in rural areas. To fulfil this role, the forestry sector must remain competitive, resilient, and innovative.

Achieving this requires sustained investment in modern forestry technologies, digitalisation, and advanced machinery, as well as a strong focus on maintaining and developing the high level of skills required by forestry professionals and forest contractors. Without targeted support, the sector risks falling behind at a time when its contribution to Europe’s economic, environmental, and strategic objectives has never been more vital.

This event argues that the next CAP must move to a strong balance between climate resilience measures and an enabler of productivity. Furthermore this event will explore the strategic opportunity to strengthen rural vitality by exploring the future of the forestry industry and how with a strong support base it can continue to be a pillar of Europe’s bioeconomy.