The European Commission’s agricultural commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski, announced forthcoming changes to the environmental rules tied to the Green Deal, noting that the most significant effects on farmers would be altered. Fallow land will be voluntary, and the planned restrictions on crop protection products will not take effect as initially outlined.
Speaking on Radio Łódź, Wojciechowski acknowledged the ongoing protests among farmers across Europe, describing them as primarily driven by escalating economic hardships faced by those in the sector.
The commissioner also revealed that key legislative adjustments are being prepared to address farmers’ demands. Among these is a derogation from the mandatory 4 percent set-aside, which he described as a core concern within the Green Deal reform process.
The upcoming changes include making set-aside voluntary rather than compulsory. In addition, the measures aimed at restricting crop protection products have been withdrawn from the legislative track. While some aspects remain technical, he noted that bureaucratic obstacles still exist. He hinted that more details would be announced in the near future.
— Wojciechowski commented.
“What I am preparing at the European Commission should reassure farmers.”
He added that the forthcoming moves from the European Commission are intended to calm farmers and ease their concerns.
The commissioner also mentioned that a new EU regulation set to come into force in June would restrict imports of sugar, eggs, and poultry meat from Ukraine.
When pressed about calls from PiS President Jarosław Kaczyński for his resignation, Wojciechowski stated that he has tasks to fulfill and aims to accomplish them.
He expressed disappointment with the opinion, suggesting it may reflect a lack of full understanding of his EC work. He noted that subsidies were equalized, that being a key expectation, and that Polish farmers will receive higher subsidies this year than the EU average, closely matching amounts seen by German farmers. He pointed out that Polish farmers received €4 billion in support outside the EU budget, and that trade restrictions with Ukraine were implemented on his initiative. He affirmed that his main objectives had been achieved and that several tasks remain ahead.
— he stated.
tkwl/PAP
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(Source: wPolityce)