Covid-19 pandemic increases Europe's vulnerability to food security threats

The Covid-19 pandemic has made Europe more vulnerable to food security threats and current agricultural practices continue to harm the environment, emphasizes the Committee of the Regions. Local government officials proposed a set of measures supporting agroecology in the EU.

As indicated by local government officials, agroecology reduces the carbon footprint of agriculture and helps to restore biodiversity. It also restores soil fertility, prevents air and water pollution, increases the economic and social resilience of farms, and ensures healthy and available food.

Representatives of the Committee of the Regions emphasize that agriculture covers half of Europe's land territory and emits 10 percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions in the EU. In their opinion, the ongoing reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is therefore of crucial importance for the implementation of the European Green Deal – the EU's strategy of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

CoR members agree that the CAP reform is a unique opportunity to "green" the agricultural sector, reduce its negative environmental impact, and ensure food security in the EU.

The members of the EU's advisory body are calling on the European Commission to propose a new European directive on agricultural soils to halt the decline in soil organic matter, halt erosion and prioritize soil life in agricultural practices.

(PAP)