Agricultural Ministers’ Key Priorities for the Next Term
Agriculture has been a hot topic in the Council debate, with calls for exempting it from net-zero climate plans and stronger support for farmers. The discussion, based on a note from the Austrian delegation supported by several other countries, covered various aspects of European agriculture.
Key requests included the need for simpler rules for national administrations, fair distribution of subsidies, and a lower level of protection for large carnivores. The document also highlighted the limitations of agriculture in reducing emissions and the impact of the Green Deal.
While some member states called for an end to green “overregulation”, others emphasized the importance of maintaining the Green Deal’s ambitions for Europe. There were also discussions on carbon emissions, the implementation of an emissions trading scheme for agriculture, and the necessity of food sovereignty within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Ministers also touched upon the issue of deforestation and the challenges posed by new European regulations in this regard. Calls were made to lower the protection status of wolves and other large carnivores, equalize CAP subsidies between member states, and remove bureaucratic obstacles for farmers and national administrations.
Overall, the debate highlighted the diverse perspectives within the EU regarding agricultural policies and the balance between sustainability, production, and profitability. Commissioner Wojciechowski emphasized the need for a stronger budget for agriculture and announced plans to present a report on lessons learned before the end of his term.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.