Subscribe here: Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met with farmers’ representatives at the end of the EU summit promising new upcoming initiatives in a bid to douse flames after a day of protests in Brussels.

Von der Leyen was accompanied by Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who initiated the encounter, and Dutch Premier Mark Rutte immediately after the closure of the European Council on Thursday (1 February).

Speaking to reporters, De Croo pointed out that agriculture today faces a “lasagna” of issues ranging from the burden of the Green Deal implementation and over-regulation.

“Farmers want to be a partner of the climate transition, I have not seen any farmer that does not love nature – they live from nature,” he said, adding that their financial situation is, however, extremely difficult.

At the meeting, farmers’ representatives stressed the importance of putting agriculture at the centre of the EU’s agri-food policies, Euronews according to a close source.

Although they welcomed initiatives such as the strategic dialogue recently launched by von der Leyen in principle, according to the source, they said such actions should offer concrete answers to farmers.

“I’m very sensitive to the message that farmers are concerned by administrative burdens,” von der Leyen told a press conference after the summit. She later told farmers that the EU executive will present a simplification package designed to address this during the next gathering of EU agricultural ministers on 26 February.

Ode to farmers

“Farmers play an essential role in Europe’s economy and society, and their work contributes greatly to our food security and indeed also to our way of life,” said von der Leyen after the EU Council.

She praised their resilience citing agricultural productivity improving by 13% last year, and the contribution to the bloc’s external trade as agri-food exports increased by 5% over the same period.

“But many challenges remain. For example, the tension on prices that leads to uncertainty and of course, the need to remain competitive while working to high standards and environmental protection,” she said.

“Farmers can count on European support,” she said, recalling that the EU allocates almost one-third of the European budget to agriculture.

She added that the EU must defend the legitimate interests of European farmers in trade negotiations, in particular in ensuring a level playing field in terms of import standards.

Stay connected with us!
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:

#eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #agriculture #farmers #protests #inflation #fuels #climatechange #climate #climateaction #climatecrisis…(read more)

HOW TO: Hedge Against Inflation

REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation

HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing

HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing

Agriculture today faces a plethora of challenges, with the burden of the Green Deal implementation being a significant issue. The Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission aimed at making the EU’s economy sustainable, has placed new demands on the agriculture sector, posing both opportunities and challenges.

One of the main goals of the Green Deal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is a major concern for the agriculture industry. Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through the use of synthetic fertilizers and the release of methane from livestock. The Green Deal calls for a reduction in these emissions, which has led to increased pressure on farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Additionally, the Green Deal includes measures to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable land use, which also directly impact the agriculture sector. Farmers are being asked to set aside more land for conservation and to adopt agroforestry practices, which can be both costly and time-consuming.

The implementation of the Green Deal also brings with it financial challenges for farmers. Many of the measures outlined in the Green Deal require significant investments in new technologies and infrastructure. Furthermore, there is a concern that the additional costs associated with implementing the Green Deal could put European farmers at a disadvantage in the global market.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the agriculture sector. The Green Deal also presents opportunities for farmers to diversify their income and adopt more sustainable practices. For example, the Green Deal includes support for organic farming and agroecology, which can provide new revenue streams for farmers and help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

Farmers are also being encouraged to participate in carbon sequestration programs, which can help offset their emissions and provide additional income. Furthermore, the Green Deal includes plans for a more circular economy, which could create new markets for agricultural by-products and waste.

In conclusion, the agriculture sector is facing a “lasagna” of challenges with the burden of the Green Deal implementation. While the Green Deal presents significant challenges for farmers, it also offers opportunities for innovation and diversification. It is crucial for policymakers to work closely with farmers to ensure that the Green Deal is implemented in a way that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable for the agriculture sector. Only through collaboration and innovation can the agriculture sector navigate the complexities of the Green Deal and continue to thrive in the future.