Berlakovich re-elected as EU farmers’ group vice-president

Nikolaus Berlakovich has been re-elected vice-president of the EU farmers’ association COPA, ORF reports. The president of Austria’s Chamber of Agriculture has represented the country’s agriculture and forestry sector in the organisation since 2020 and has served as vice-president since 2022.

COPA president Massimiliano Giansanti of Italy will remain in the role, which he has held since 2022.

Josef Moosbrugger, president of Austria’s Chamber of Agriculture, said Berlakovich’s re-election was important during a period of key decisions for Europe. He said Berlakovich helped ensure Austrian farmers’ concerns were represented at important European decision-making bodies.

COPA’s leadership said it aims to keep agriculture at the centre of the European agenda and ensure food security is recognised as a strategic priority. The association represents several million farmers and their national organisations through 60 member organisations across the EU.