Greens’ Leading Agriculture MEP Backs von der Leyen’s Commitments to Sustainable Farming
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to integrate agriculture into the Green Deal framework while ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods. This commitment was made during discussions with the Greens/EFA, as reported by Thomas Waitz, the Greens’ coordinator for agriculture.
Waitz, an organic farmer and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2017, has recently taken the role of coordinator for the Greens/EFA in the Agriculture Committee, succeeding Martin Häusling after a 15-year tenure. In her recent address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen was somewhat non-specific regarding her sustainable agriculture plans, indicating that detailed proposals would emerge within the first 100 days of the new Commission’s term.
Despite the vagueness, Waitz expressed optimism about von der Leyen’s plans for agri-food systems, citing her acknowledgment of the agricultural sector’s absence from the Green Deal so far and her commitment to include it in the sustainability transition.
Concerns had previously arisen from the Greens about potential regressions in environmentally-friendly policies, particularly regarding the Farm to Fork strategy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). However, Waitz countered that while there may be a delay in enforcing the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation, this should not be interpreted as a retreat from environmental commitments.
He highlighted the uncertainty faced by national administrations and businesses concerning the implementation of these regulations, as final guidance documents from the Commission are still pending. Nonetheless, Waitz suggested that a slight delay could be reasonable to facilitate better preparation for compliance among companies.
Moreover, aligning with von der Leyen’s remarks, Waitz emphasized the need for fair compensation for farmers. He underscored the importance of balancing climate-friendly practices in agriculture with the necessity for farmers to earn a decent income. He also pointed out the significant influence of food processors and retailers on the prices that EU producers receive and stressed the importance of ensuring equitable competition through free trade agreements that adhere to comparable standards.
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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.