The agricultural plans are a crucial part of the so-called Green Deal, the climate plans of European Commissioner Timmermans. Those plans came under heavy fire during the corona crisis. Not only were the agricultural plans themselves delayed by the virus, many opponents said that the climate plans had to be completely dismissed now that an economic recession is imminent.
Critics in the plastic lobby wanted the ban on disposable plastic to be abolished due to the current need for protective equipment in healthcare. In the car and airplane lobby, they asked for less strict CO2 rules for the transport sector.
But proponents of the plans see it as a way to green the economic recovery. This is necessary, according to the European Commission, because the corona crisis also makes clear that the European agricultural and food sector must be able to take a beating, so that enough and healthy food remains available during a crisis. “Farmers are part of the solution, but they need our encouragement and support to make the green step,” says the agricultural strategy.
Higher income
This means that farmers must reduce the use of pesticides and that organic farming and animal welfare must be the main focus. “But for that green battle, the income of farmers must increase, so that they do not fall through the minimum income. Farmers must earn enough money to build a reasonable life.”
The European Commission is also looking at consumer protection. According to the plans, food fraud and so-called greenwashing, the false appearance of a product more sustainably, will be tackled. For example, there will be a stricter look at whether there is extra sugar in baby food and a maximum is set for the amount of sugar, saturated fat and salt in food.
Companies must be more transparent about what exactly is incorporated in products, so that consumers can make a responsible choice. In addition, according to plans, it should also be possible to immediately see where a product is made, “so that consumers can choose regional products to help the local farmer and make the road from farm to fork shorter and more sustainable.”
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