EU Agriculture Ministers generally supported on Tuesday 14 May in Brussels the main elements of the Commission's Communication (of 28 November 2018) on a long-term strategic European vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate-neutral economy.
In its Communication, the Commission acknowledges the essential role played by agriculture, which is responsible for more than 10% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions.
At the Agriculture Council, many ministers stressed that agriculture and forestry can provide solutions to climate change, although some ministers were keen to recall agriculture's important objectives in terms of food supply.
The EU Council held policy debates on this document on 18 February 2019 (Competitiveness), 4 March 2019 (Energy, see EUROPE 12206/2) and 5 March 2019 (Environment, see EUROPE 12207/3).
France recalled that carbon neutrality in the EU is “achievable by 2050” and that forests will be essential to achieve it. France's objective is to be neutral in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to update the EU's contribution by 2030. France aims to reduce emissions in all economic sectors, including agriculture. Agriculture can provide solutions through agro-ecology, with more input-efficient systems and the use of biosourced materials. “But we must not lose sight of the imperative of food security” and we must “build a sustainable bio-economy”, the French delegation added. Several ministers, including those from France and Belgium, argued that the future CAP must ensure that resources are commensurate with climate ambitions.
Ireland recalled that agricultural production must increase and that a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and green and digital technologies must be supported.
For Spain, agriculture can contribute to the EU's climate objectives, but it is necessary to “respect the particularity of the agri-food sector and food security”. Spain has adopted a “fair” energy transition strategy and is currently developing its strategy for a climate-neutral economy by 2050.
Italy stated that agriculture should contribute to reducing emissions, but also produce food. The new CAP is a step in the right direction, according to this delegation, which mentioned the bio-economy, the circular economy and forests (biomass).
Poland said it would be difficult to reduce emissions from agriculture and added it would be “ridiculous” to claim that animal husbandry should be stopped because of methane emissions. Poland is focusing on the potential of carbon sequestration, and forests are the “best answer” to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Poland also mentioned soil protection, crop rotation and biomass.
Finland stressed the sustainable use of forests, while recalling the need for food security.
Germany welcomed in particular the different scenarios presented by the Commission in the Communication. This country highlighted the important elements contained in the proposals on the future 'green architecture' of the post-2020 CAP.
Sweden called for an ambitious long-term strategy for the EU to achieve “zero net emissions by 2050” and highlighted the contribution of innovative solutions. The involvement of farmers is essential; more ambitious measures are needed on the CAP's contribution to climate change.
Denmark considered that the agricultural sector should contribute to climate objectives. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)