AGRI vision must not be blind to climate crisis

Today, the European Commission outlined their Vision on Agriculture and Food for this legislative period. While the Greens/EFA Group welcomes some of the proposals, the text lacks commitment to environmental and climate adaptation measures that factor in the central role of agriculture in the fight against the climate crisis. Furthermore, essential elements are missing, such as capping agricultural subsidies for larger farms in order to better support small and medium-sized farms.

This is why the Greens/EFA Group presented its own six key priorities and demands for a successful and sustainable farming earlier this week.

MEP Thomas Waitz from Austria, Greens/EFA coordinator in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), comments:

“Christophe Hansen's agricultural vision consists of appealing rhetoric and numerous pledges. However, even before the final publication, Hansen's proposal to restrict the export of hazardous pesticides and import via food from third countries had already been watered down. It remains to be seen whether the actual legislative proposals will be effective in preventing the decline of farms in Europe and improving the livelihoods of small farmers.

"A key demand of the Greens remains unmet: There is no clear commitment to cap agricultural subsidies, and thus placing small and medium-sized farms at the center of EU agricultural policy. Additionally, the environmental and climate measures in the agricultural sector remain vague. Agriculture must play a crucial role in combating and adapting to the climate crisis. Many of the ideas presented have been referenced in other Commission announcements, but when it comes to implementing action, the obstacle often comes from Hansen‘s own party, the European People's Party, as well as from agriculture ministers.“