MEP Jérémy Decerle (Renew Europe, France) said in an interview with EUROPE on Monday 25 May that EU countries will have to put money on the table for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), especially in the context of the coronavirus crisis and to meet the objectives of the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy (see EUROPE 12491/3; interview by Lionel Changeur)
Agence Europe (AE) - How can the Common Agricultural Policy evolve after 2020 to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy?
Jérémy Decerle - It’s rather good to ask these questions, it’s important that Europe has strategies. But ambitious numerical targets must not take precedence over the reality on the ground and the economic reality in the sector. If we want a 50% reduction in pesticides, less fertiliser use, and improved animal welfare, there must first be enough farmers left to meet these ambitious targets. To accomplish this, we need to restore tranquility to the economic situations of farms. Europe’s professional agricultural sector is not in a position to meet these challenges under these conditions. The coronavirus shows that Europe needs to strengthen food safety.
What about CAP reform?
CAP reform must provide economic tools and effective market measures to help farmers meet the requirements of the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy. The current crisis has shown that, even if the agricultural model has flaws, it has responded to ensure food production. Europe’s agricultural strength is greater than other world agricultural powers in terms of ecology, environment, and animal welfare.
Do you fear a decrease in the agricultural budget during the 2021-2027 budget negotiations?
I hope that Europe will remain coherent. If it wants to achieve agricultural transformation and food sovereignty, European countries will have to put money on the table. Those who are asking to blow up regulatory tools or to do more for the climate are also those who refuse to put money for the CAP back into the common pot.
Why are you asking for a freeze on certain trade negotiations in the context of Covid-19 (see EUROPE 12468/25)?
I am astonished that the Commission is not putting the brakes on negotiations at this time for the fragile agricultural sectors. We have failed to prevent imports of lambs from New Zealand, the EU has validated the agreement with Mexico... These are signals that I think frighten citizens. I am not asking for a halt to these negotiations, but we should slow things down. We are trying to find funding to store food products in Europe while, at the same time, the Commission continues to negotiate trade agreements in sensitive sectors, such as meat.