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The importance of the agriculture sector for the economic and social development throughout the world is obvious. Europe is the 2nd largest agricultural power in the world. For its part, India is among the leading exporters of agricultural products with a trade surplus that has grown from US$ 3.6 billion in 2000 to US$ 22 billion in 2013 (Global Trade Information Services). However, it is also the country with the largest number of food insecure people. Two striking figures: according to the World Bank 75% of the world's poor live in rural areas and are farmers; and the world will have to produce 50% more food by 2050 to feed a projected 9 billion people. Key here is the question of a sustainable agriculture which means increasing productivity and, at the same time, lower the carbon footprint of our economy. An example to illustrate the changes taking place in consumer preference. The EU sugar consumption in 2014 was 19.4Mt and is estimated at 18.7Mt in 2023. This decrease is significant. India's sugar consumption was in 2014 27.0Mt and is estimated at 32.4Mt in 2023. This constitutes a substantial increase. There have been rapid changes in diet in most developing countries. This will have an impact on agricultural production. But above all, agriculture will have to adapt to climate change. This sector which is critical to the economic and social development in a majority of countries will need more and more financial support from States. As a result, agricultural subsidies will no longer be called into question.

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