News in brief: The European Union’s Green Deal, which seeks to reduce emissions across the economic bloc by cutting on agricultural production, has seen diverse reactions with the Netherlands recently offering to buy out high-emitting farmers and now the head of  the German Farmers’ Association adds his pro-farmer voice to the debate.

Berlin– On the occasion of the general debate on May 10, 2023 in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, entitled “Council and Commission statements-The role of farmers as enablers of the green transition and a resilient agricultural sector”, the President of the German Farmers’ Association, Joachim Rukwied, calls for this claim to be met.

“If you look at the Commission’s proposals on the Industrial Emissions Directive, natural restoration and plant protection, there is no belief that the agricultural sector will have a resilient future perspective through the implementation of the Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy,” says Rukwied. “German and European agriculture are facing major challenges, such as adaptation to climate change, the conversion of animal husbandry or the change of generations.

”This must be accompanied,” he continues, “instead of always issuing new regulations at the same time that restrict domestic food production. The EU Commission, the European Council and the EU Parliament must now decide which way they want to go-to reduce agricultural production in Europe through excessive requirements and at the same time to increase imports or to show sustainable agriculture prospects that ensures nutrition in Europe. The German Farmers’ Association stands for a common path in dialogue.”

Source: Agrar-presseportal.de