EU urged to set date for organic farming review
In high-level talks in Brussels on Monday 14 December, Members of European Parliament were urged by the Copa president Martin Merrild to reach an agreement quickly on a date for the review of organic farming. This, Merrild said, was imperative in order to give farmers across Europe adequate time to attain “clarity on the new rules”.
It is unlikely an update on the EU’s organic farming regulation will be made for at least another five months, but Merrild believes European Member States and MEPs have shared approaches when it comes to the review on moving to organic farming.
“For example, they both agree on keeping mixed farms in the review as it gives farmers an incentive to convert gradually into organic farming,” Merrild said. “But MEPs’ proposal to limit the size of holdings will negatively impact on some existing organic farms in the EU and it’s crucial to agree with the EU Commission and Council on this.”
'Regret'
At the talks yesterday with EU farm ministers, the European farmers body Copa voiced its support for the Polish farm minister, who warned of the deteriorating pig crisis in Europe. Merrild added: “We welcome the fact that private storage aid will finally be introduced in January to alleviate pressure on the EU pig meat market. Prices are critical. But we regret that it was not introduced sooner.”
After the newly-elected chairman of animal health for Copa-Cogeca, Gwyn Jones, called for a “pragmatic” approach on antibiotics, discussions yesterday made little progress but are ongoing. Reacting to the issue, Merrild said it was “good” that EU ministers were planning proposals for medicated feed and veterinary medicines.
“Maintaining and improving the animal’s health is one of the best ways to reduce the need for antibiotic treatments. We are committed to promoting the concept of the responsible use of antimicrobials by prescription,” he added.
'Historic'
Separately, Copa-Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen hailed the legally binding climate change deal in Paris as an “historic achievement” that balances measures to safeguard the environment and growing food demand.
The Paris deal saw nearly 200 world leaders commit to an historic carbon dioxide reduction plan, effectively signalling the end of the fossil fuel era. But food production is expected to drop by 17% for every degree rise in temperate as a result of extreme weather conditions like drought and flooding. And this is a serious concern for producers who need to boost production in order to feed a population predicted to grow by 60% by 2050, according to Copa-Cogeca.
State leaders also recognised the importance of reaching a deal that balances food production and climate change.
“In the EU, our governments have already agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Such reductions are of great importance if we want to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 2°C by the end of the century,” said Pesonen.
“I am glad that our partners across the world will now be subject to a review and monitoring to ensure their policies are headed in the right direction to help combat climate change.”
