EU States Urge Change in Agriculture Rules to Ease Farmers’ Fury

A majority of EU countries urge faster review of agricultural policies

A majority of European Union countries are urging the bloc’s executive to speed up its review of agricultural policies and develop a concrete plan for measures to ease unrest among farmers across the region.

Strong and immediate action needed

Agriculture ministers from 22 of the EU’s 27 states say they want to see strong and immediate action with specific milestones to resolve issues including conditions for financial support, according to a letter sent this week to the European Commission and seen by Bloomberg News.

“It is crucial for us to be able to communicate to farmers about the mid-term changes before autumn and to make them as visible as possible,” said the ministers from countries including France, Spain, Poland, and Italy. The letter was addressed to commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic and Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski.

Farmers’ concerns and the Sustainable Development Goals

European farmers have been protesting falling incomes and rising costs, unfair competition from countries outside the bloc, as well as climate-focused legislation under the EU’s Green Deal to zero out emissions by 2050.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a significant role in addressing these concerns. The SDGs aim to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce inequalities, and combat climate change. It is crucial for the European Commission to align its agricultural policies with these goals to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for farmers.

Commission’s proposals and upcoming discussions

Meanwhile, the commission is working on new legislative proposals to loosen the burden on the sector resulting from the environment-related demands in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. The executive is expected to present its proposals on March 15, days before EU leaders meet in Brussels where they will discuss agriculture and other topics.

Ministers’ demands for flexibility and relief

The ministers are seeking more flexibility on conditions for receiving financial aid under the CAP, simplifying the management of national plans, and relieving pressure of controls in the sector, among other issues.

“Given the level of farmers’ expectations, it is of utmost importance that we know quickly what changes will be made and in what time frame,” they wrote. “New and even higher standards have become increasingly difficult for farmers to accept.”

Commission’s response and readiness for change

The commission told EU ambassadors on Wednesday that it is assessing proposals made in the ministers’ letter, according to people familiar with the matter. Last month it signaled readiness to simplify rules for farmers and cut the red tape as thousands employed in the agriculture sector blocked the streets in European cities to demand legislative changes.

“We have worked on the just transition for coal workers, but we’ve not done so much on what is the impact of all this deep transformation for farmers,” Teresa Ribera, Spain’s environmental minister, said in a Bloomberg interview earlier this week.

–With assistance from John Ainger.

Conclusion

The European Union must prioritize the review of agricultural policies and address the concerns of farmers. By aligning these policies with the Sustainable Development Goals, the EU can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its agricultural sector. It is crucial for the commission to take strong and immediate action, providing farmers with clear milestones and effective measures to resolve their issues. By doing so, the EU can support its farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, reduce inequalities, and combat climate change.

Source:

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that European farmers are protesting falling incomes, indicating a potential issue of poverty among farmers in the region.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers.
   • Indicator: The article highlights the need for conditions for financial support and relief for farmers, which implies a concern for their incomes and livelihoods.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that European farmers are facing unfair competition from countries outside the EU, which could impact employment opportunities for farmers in the region.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: The article states that European farmers are protesting climate-focused legislation under the EU’s Green Deal, indicating a need for the integration of climate change measures into agricultural policies.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: finance.yahoo.com

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