The European Green Deal is the European Union’s strategy aimed at transforming Europe into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This ambitious plan encompasses a wide range of actions aimed at protecting the environment and combating climate change. In the context of agriculture, the Green Deal introduces numerous changes designed to make the agricultural sector more sustainable.
Goals of the Green Deal in agriculture
The main objective of the Green Deal in the context of agriculture is to reduce the negative impact of food production on the natural environment. This strategy aims to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: The agricultural sector must contribute to climate neutrality by reducing CO2, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protect biodiversity: Implement agricultural practices that protect and support biological diversity, including the protection of wildlife habitats.
- Sustainable resource management: Promote the efficient use of natural resources such as water, soil, and energy, and limit the use of chemicals and pesticides.¹
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Green Deal
CAP plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Green Deal. It is the main financial tool supporting farmers in the EU and ensuring the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. In the context of the Green Deal, CAP introduces new requirements and programs aimed at:
- Support for farmers: Funding initiatives aimed at sustainable agriculture, including investments in environmentally friendly technologies.
- Education and training: Educational programs for farmers to help implement new, sustainable methods of cultivation and breeding.
- Monitoring and reporting: Monitoring systems that track progress in achieving the Green Deal’s goals and ensure transparency in agricultural practices.²
Innovations and technologies
Under the Green Deal, the EU invests in innovations and technologies to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices. Examples of such technologies include:
- Precision farming: Use of GPS technology, drones, and sensors for precise farm management, allowing for efficient resource use and minimal environmental impact.
- Biofuels and renewable energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy and biofuels in agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable cultivation technologies: Implementing new cultivation methods that increase efficiency while protecting the environment.¹
Choose EU food
The Green Deal represents a breakthrough step towards sustainable agriculture in the EU. Investments in new technologies, sustainable agricultural practices, and support from CAP aim to transform the agricultural sector into one that is more sustainable and resilient to climate change. By choosing products from the EU, you can contribute to environmental protection and support sustainable agricultural development.
1 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en
