Protests in rural areas in recent days have led the European Commission to relax some measures. agricultural measures We have taken action to calm the industry, which brought more than 1,400 tractors to the doorstep of the European Council last week and is demanding better conditions and measures against unfair competition from third countries. It’s an approach that Community Board Chair Ursula von der Leyen proposes to continue implementing. The withdrawal of the new regulation has now been added to the proposal to remove the obligation to leave some arable land fallow. law on the sustainable use of pesticides.
“The Commission proposed the SUR regulation (legislation on the sustainable use of pesticides) to reduce the risks of plant protection chemicals, but the proposal has become a symbol of polarization. It was rejected by the European Parliament. “We have to do something, and that’s why I’m going to propose to the college (commissioners) to withdraw this recommendation.” summit of heads of state and government It was held against a backdrop of thundering tractor horns in Brussels last week.
Brussels announced the proposal June 2022 For the purpose of Reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030In line with the EU’s ‘From Agriculture to Consumer’ strategies and ‘Biodiversity’ strategy. It includes legally binding targets at EU level and the obligation for Member States to set their own national reduction targets within the parameters. According to von der Leyen, the issue will remain on the table, but she is aware that the current blockade must be lifted. “More dialogue and a different approach is needed”.
Tensions in agricultural policy
That means Brussels will continue consultations before presenting a new proposal that is “much more mature with the participation of interested parties.” The German is aware of the tensions created by agrarian politics, which has become a central element in the discourse of the far right and even of his party, the European People’s Party, and is aware that this will play an important role in the next campaign towards Europe. Elections will be held between June 6-9. “The next few months will not be easy. But I think we have a great opportunity now,” he said, talking about the review of the European budget framework, especially agriculture.
“Everyone in this house is clear that our agri-food sector, especially farms, needs a long-term perspective and a willingness to listen to each other and seek common solutions. (That’s why) we should stay away from the blame game and find solutions to the problems together,” he claimed. And the time to do this, according to German conservatives, is the strategic dialogue on agriculture proposed a few days ago, the culmination of which will be a report of recommendations that will come at the end of the summer and form the basis of agriculture. Future agricultural policy.
More sustainable model
“The problems have gotten worse in recent years and our farmers deserve to have their voices heard. I know you are concerned about the future of agriculture and your future as a farmer. But they also know that agriculture must evolve towards a more sustainable production model so that their farms remain profitable for years to come,” von der Leyen said, explaining the reasons behind a dialogue aimed at ending “polarization” and creating “trust”. A “single” Europe for food To guarantee the future of the system.
Acknowledging the role and work of farmers, von der Leyen also winked at the need to protect European soil. “60 or 70 percent of agricultural land in Europe is not in good condition. This is something we need to turn around. We must do more. For effective nature conservation, we must offer generous incentives based on generous subsidies and other elements such as product labeling.
During the debate, EPP leader Manfred Weber emphasized that they would continue to defend farmers and attacked proposals such as the nature protection law or the pesticide law. Iratxe García, president of the Socialists in the European Parliament, said: “You are harming the agricultural sector by trying to defend its defence” and warned that the sector would have a future “if we work together”, because “it is unacceptable for partisans and voters to be used in the crisis of a sector”.