“The climate crisis is here to stay, it is not good for our citizens, farmers or businesses”. Frans Timmermans began by outlining the emergency situation facing the European Union in terms of climate and agriculture to members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
Securing farmers’ livelihoods. And according to the Vice-President of the European Commission, the climate and biodiversity crises are emerging as serious threats to food security and farmers’ livelihoods. He recalled in this sense that the Commission’s proposals in the framework of the European Green Deal, which are based on “scientific data and impact assessments”, are not directed against farmers, but aim to support them.
“By improving biodiversity and ecosystem health, we can ensure sustainable food production, support the bioeconomy and secure farmers’ livelihoods”, he said.
Renewable energy is a priority. For Frans Timmermans, restoring nature is essential to address negative trends such as pollinator decline and soil degradation. Mr Timmermans also made it clear that there would be no new proposals, due to time constraints: “We have made our proposals and we are ready to discuss their consequences”.
The Vice-President of the Commission said that renewable energy is a “priority”. “And if it is not clear enough in the nature restoration law, we are working to make it clearer”, he insisted.
Frans Timmermans also detailed how crucial it was to replace chemical pesticides with less toxic alternatives, organic substances, better practices and knowledge in order to “preserve the environment while supporting agriculture”. “The transition to more sustainable practices is necessary to preserve soil health and ensure decent incomes for farmers”, he explained.
An interconnected whole. “Everything is interconnected in these solutions and in these packages; if one piece is missing, everything collapses”. Frans Timmermans also explained in a final point that the ‘Green Deal’ is an integrated and complementary package of measures. To achieve climate neutrality, ensure food security and support farmers and the bioeconomy, a holistic approach is therefore needed, he said, which includes the restoration of nature. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)