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EU backtracks on food and farming sustainability targets

A European Commission proposal has recommended a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 2040 but has dropped original references to the role of agriculture and dietary changes in achieving this.

On 6 February, the European Commission published a detailed impact assessment on possible pathways to reach the agreed goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. Based on this impact assessment, the Commission recommended a 90% net GHGs reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels in a bid to become carbon neutral by 2050.

However, the final proposal no longer included a reference to a 30% reduction in non-CO2 emissions that are caused by agriculture. The role of lifestyle changes – including dietary changes – in cutting down GHGs were also removed.

Climate science and policy site, The Carbon Brief, noted that an earlier draft of the proposal stated that livestock and fertiliser use would be “core areas” for emissions cuts by 2040 and that it should be possible to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions by at least 30% by 2040. The wording of the final version was vaguer, however, instead referring to how agricultural activities “play[ed] an important role” in achieving the 2040 target, it said.

The updated Commission proposal came in the wake of unrest by European farmers, particularly in France and Germany, as they blockaded roads in protest against numerous grievances that included EU environmental policies and their perceived negative impact on farming.

On the same day of the proposal’s publication (6 February), Commission president Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament and suggested withdrawing a plan to halve the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, saying the issue had become a symbol of polarisation.

Copa-Cogeca welcomes ‘pragmatic support’

Copa-Cogeca, the trade association that represents the interests of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU, welcomed “the choice of dialogue and pragmatic support” retained by the European Commission in its final proposal. The farming association noted that it mainly welcomed the EU’s willingness to strengthen the bioeconomy sector and the renewed interest to talk to farmers in the framework of the strategic dialogue.

However, other stakeholders accused the EU of backtracking on commitments that were essential to meeting climate change targets.

Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero said: “Farmers are on the front lines of the climate crisis in Europe, dealing with droughts, fires, floods, and landslides. But politicians ignoring scientific advice on helping farmers move away from overproduction of meat and dairy makes climate change worse and leaves European farming more exposed to extreme weather.

“Farmers are nature’s best allies, when the rules, markets and subsidies don’t force them into a desperate choice between industrial production or bankruptcy,” he added.

BEUC: Food & agriculture contribute ‘big chunk’ of EU climate impact

Brussels-based EU consumer rights organisation BEUC called on the Commission to address food, an untapped sector, as part of its climate targets and swiftly publish long-awaited measures to make the food systems sustainable.

Monique Goyens, director general of BEUC, said: "However hard the Commission tries to handle farmers with kid gloves, facts are stubborn things: our food and agriculture systems contribute a big chunk of the EU’s climate impact. Consumers are willing to change the way they eat and play their part in the fight against climate change, provided sustainable, healthy food becomes more available and affordable.”

“Now the ball is in the court of the next European Commission, which will have to publish the long overdue Sustainable Food Systems law proposal. Such a law must incentivise the food industry and retailers to better support consumers in the transition,” said Goyens.

“Reaching EU climate targets requires getting consumers on board. For this to happen, the transition to more sustainable lifestyles must be easy, attractive, and affordable. If well designed and rolled out, the transition can increase consumer well-being, from cutting energy bills to eating healthier food,” she added.

A January 2024 assessment report by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) identified reducing livestock production in the EU and demand for meat and dairy as levers to achieving lower GHGs.