Brussels, Belgium - The European Union will step up
efforts to make food production more sustainable and halt
biodiversity loss, after the coronavirus pandemic has exposed
the need for a healthier relationship between human activity and
nature.
The European Commission, the bloc's executive, proposed on
Wednesday targets to prevent the degradation of natural habitats
that can drive animals into closer contact with humans.
The World Health Organization has said the novel coronavirus
probably has its "ecological reservoir" in bats, while
scientists say 60% of the infectious diseases that emerged
during 1990-2004 were of animal origin.
"By destroying nature at an unprecedented rate... we
literally threaten our own life, our health and our wellbeing,"
EU climate chief Frans Timmermans said.
The Commission wants the EU's share of organic farming to
reach 25% in 2030, up from 8% today, while 10% of agricultural
land must comprise "high diversity" landscapes, such as ponds
and hedges.
Other targets would cut chemical pesticide use by 50% and
fertiliser use by 20% by 2030.
File picture: Michael Probst / AP Photo.
The targets are not yet legally binding. Draft laws will
follow and will need approval from the 27 member states and the
European Parliament.
Farming groups said organic farming typically produces
smaller yields and ring-fencing land for natural habitats would
limit farmers' ability to respond to increases in demand.
The Commission said the proposals would not compromise
Europe's food security, and the pandemic could prompt consumers
to choose local, sustainable foods - even as the bloc faces a
steep economic recession.
"There will be shortened supply lines, there will be more
produced in Europe," Timmermans said.
The measures aim to align agriculture with the Commission's
target to reduce net EU emissions to zero by 2050.
File picture: Michael Sohn / AP.
Agriculture produces around 10% of EU greenhouse gas
emissions, of which 70% are from animal farming.
An earlier draft had pledged to "stop stimulating production
or consumption of meat," but the proposal was removed.
Much of the funding to achieve the goals will come from the
"common agricultural policy" section of the bloc's next budget,
which EU leaders are reworking because of the pandemic.