Farmers in Europe have achieved a significant victory as the European Union has announced a postponement of regulations that would have required them to set aside land to promote biodiversity and soil health.
Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission vice-president, hailed the decision as a “helping hand” for the agricultural sector during challenging times, citing extreme weather events and their negative impact on farmers’ output and income.
Under the new proposals, farmers will not be required to set aside fallow land or any portion of land for catch crops until 2025, providing relief to farmers who have been protesting and expressing concerns about the high cost of land and pressure from supermarkets to sell crops at low prices.
The change comes amid escalating farm protests, including blockades at the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium and ongoing demonstrations in France and Italy.
Critics argue that EU farmers receive substantial financial support, with over €307bn earmarked for them between 2023 and 2027, but farmers have been vocal about the challenges they face and the need for meaningful dialogue with policymakers.
Šefčovič acknowledged the need to intensify dialogue with farmers to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed, emphasizing the importance of creating a habitable continent for future generations.
2024-01-31 08:45:19
Link from www.theguardian.com