Brussels, 8 January 2024
See question(s) : E-001667/2023
EN
E-001667/2023
Answer given by Mr Wojciechowski
on behalf of the European Commission
(8.1.2024)
It is important to recognise the performance of European farmers with regard to environmental sustainability and their efforts towards more sustainable forms of agriculture, in light of the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, climate change and new obligations, which impact farmers’ work and incomes.
The Commission aims to work with and support farmers to address the challenges in the ‘sustainability transition’. With a wide array of initiatives linked to the Farm to Fork Strategy1 and the Common Agricultural Policy2, the Commission endeavours to support farm income and sustainable practices, create markets for sustainably produced food products, promote innovation, including nature-based solutions. The upcoming strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, will contribute to strengthen the understanding of current and expected challenges and listen to the concerns of farmers and citizens. The dialogue will be launched in January 2024 and will involve stakeholders from across the agri-food chain. It is vital to work together, as this is the only way to secure the food supply for the future.
1 The pesticide reduction goals envisaged in the Commission’s proposal on the sustainable use of plant protection products do not threaten food security. Instead, achieving them would help to safeguard food security in the long term. The Nature Restoration Law is key to ensure in the long-term food security, production, and farmers’ livelihoods. It does not require ‘the removal of 10% of agricultural land from production’. The indicators proposed for agricultural ecosystems are well-recognised as being the best proxy in terms of health and resilience of the agricultural ecosystem. Besides, the reference to 10% high-diversity landscape features in the Commission proposal is an EU-wide political goal, not a target per farm or Member State.
2 The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports farmers along 10 objectives of the economic, environmental and social sustainability. The CAP earmarks 32% (approx. EUR 98 billion) of CAP funding for farmers who take up practices beyond CAP baseline requirements and deliver specific environment and climate benefits.