Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski spoke on his own behalf, which in no way reflects the official position of the EC. We believe that agriculture, climate policy and the protection of the natural world can go hand in hand. We need both, said European Commission spokesman Olof Gill.
In a conversation with the media, Wojciechowski announced on Wednesday that the European Commission will present next week new legislative proposals to meet the demands of protesting farmers.
It will be a package of solutions that should relieve farmers of all concerns, not so much about the Green Deal, but about its elements that are included in the Common Agricultural Policy – said Wojciechowski in an interview with RMF.
What changes did Janusz Wojciechowski present?
The radio reported that the EC is to commit to no penalties this year for farmers who do not meet environmental or climate standards, while in 2025-2027, i.e. by the end of the budget period, changes will be introduced to ease the existing requirements of the Green Deal. The package – according to RMF – will include a complete departure from the mandatory fallowing of 4%. land.
In response to Wojciechowski’s words, the EC spokesman said that “he spoke on his own behalf, which in no way reflects the official position of the Commission.”
We believe that agriculture, climate policy and the protection of the natural world can go hand in hand. We need both, added Olof Gill.
He informed that the Commission would soon present a series of proposals aimed at meeting the challenges currently facing EU farmers.
– The actions already implemented by the Commission this year, as well as those that will be proposed soon, do not weaken the ambitions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in terms of climate and environmental protection. Rather, their aim is to introduce an additional degree of flexibility for farmers and national authorities, thereby reducing red tape and enabling farmers to focus on their core work, which includes making a greater contribution to EU climate and environment goals through the CAP National Strategic Plans, he said Gill.
He added that, in parallel, the recently established Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture is examining how to reach a new consensus to address more complex, long-term issues.
Currently, to receive full CAP payments, farmers must comply with a stricter set of requirements and standards on the environment, climate, food safety, plant protection products and animal welfare, as well as decent working conditions.
This conditionality principle applies to nearly 90 percent. used agricultural land in the EU. The EC plans to allocate 32%. the total CAP budget (close to €98 billion) for voluntary actions supporting environmental, climate and animal welfare objectives.
