Emily Rees: A new transatlantic innovation agenda for agriculture and food security

The relationship between the European Union and the United States remains one of the world’s most consequential partnerships.  While rapid technological change, shifting alliances, and economic uncertainty are reshaping the global landscape, the fundamental challenges facing both regions remain familiar: competitiveness, market access, and regulatory efficiency. What has changed is the urgency with which these issues must now be addressed.

Innovation and competitiveness have become strategic imperatives on both sides of the Atlantic. The United States continues to lead in the adoption of emerging technologies, while the European Union is increasingly focused on strengthening its competitive position through regulatory simplification and renewed support for innovation.

Recent geopolitical developments have reinforced the importance of transatlantic cooperation. Although global tensions have evolved, many underlying issues remain unchanged. Regulatory divergence, barriers to trade, and intensifying competition continue to hinder growth and innovation. Addressing these challenges will require a closer collaboration rather than parallel approaches.

Similar strategic choices also apply at the regional level, posing critical questions for governments across northern Europe and the Baltic Rim. Climate volatility, shifting trade dynamics, and security concerns are reshaping agricultural priorities. Farmers and agribusinesses are increasingly focused on managing risk, strengthening supply chains, and maintaining access to innovative technologies, that improve productivity and resilience.

The United States has demonstrated the benefits of rapidly adopting new technologies, from digital agriculture and advanced plant science to modern manufacturing systems. This has provided farmers and businesses with access to a broader range of tools and solutions. By contrast, Europe continues to wrestle with regulatory complexity that can slow innovation and investment. A stronger focus on competitiveness, supported by streamlined and science-based regulation, will be critical to the region’s future success.

The question is no longer whether EU-US collaboration is desirable, but rather how both partners can deliver meaningful impact in today’s environment. Forums such as the G20 and ongoing bilateral dialogues provide opportunities to advance shared priorities.  In agriculture, this means ensuring farmers have access to a full toolbox of technologies, including advanced crop protection products, biological solutions and new breeding technologies, at a pace comparable to other innovation-driven regions such as Australia and Brazil.

Regulatory cooperation will be central to this effort. Greater alignment on standards, increased mutual recognition, and stronger operational collaboration can help reduce unnecessary costs and delays. By focusing on outcomes rather than processes, the EU and US can drive global standards while creating a more predictable environment for innovation and trade.

The costs of failing to strengthen cooperation could be substantial. Without greater alignment, both regions risk losing ground to more agile competitors. Regulatory fragmentation and delayed access to innovation threaten not only economic competitiveness, but also food security sustainability and long-term resilience.

The path forward requires leadership and ambition. By embracing technological innovation while reducing regulatory complexity, the EU and US can strengthen their own economies while helping partners around the world benefit from scientific progress. Farmers, innovators, and consumers all stand to gain from policies that deliver practical outcomes rather than procedural hurdles.

The new world may have familiar issues, but it also brings the possibility for renewed impact. For decades, EU-US collaboration has helped shape global standards and drive economic progress.

By placing innovation, competitiveness and regulatory modernisation at the centre of the transatlantic agenda, both partners can continue to lead, turning persistent challenges into shared opportunities.

This is not simply a strategic aspiration. It is a practical pathway to sustained leadership and growth in the years ahead.