On Thursday 17 December, the EU voted in favour of launching a review on its air quality policy – known as the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) – to clamp down on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
Copa and Cogeca, which represent the views of EU farmers, reacted to the news by saying it would create “insurmountable difficulties” for the sector.
Copa-Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen criticised the EU’s review on emissions calling it “unacceptable” because it “threatens food production”, which will have to keep pace with burgeoning food demand, set to rise by 60% by 2050.
“The European agriculture sector has already cut ammonia emissions almost by 30% since 1990, and this should be acknowledged,” said Pesonen.
The review “does not take into account the global recognition in Paris that agriculture should adapt to the adverse effects of climate change in a way that does not threaten food production”, he added.
“It is important to think of what can really be achieved in a cost-efficient way, without harming especially small and medium holdings. We have been calling all along for realistic targets. Having a target that is not feasible makes no sense. It is not good for the environment, agriculture and the health of our citizens also because it delays a possible agreement in the trilogue negotiations between the EU institutions”.
Ammonia emissions are a by-product of animal waste and cause a significant amount of GHGs due to the inefficient conversion of feed nitrogen in animal product. Producers of beef, pork and poultry regularly come under fire from environmental groups calling on them to cut emissions.