March 15 The European Commission has published proposals that would allow EU members to relax environmental regulations for farmers who have been protesting over the past few months due to difficult economic conditions .
Thus, it is proposed to cancel some fines and regulations related to the fight against climate change and regulating the provision of subsidies to farmers. First of all, the relaxations concern environmental standards within the framework of the EU Common Agricultural Policy.
What the European Commission offers farmers
They want to oblige EU member states to provide additional financial support to farmers who voluntarily leave part of their land unused.
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It is proposed to weaken the rules that oblige farmers to alternate the types of crops they grow. Instead, farmers will be allowed to choose between crop rotation and diversification.
In addition, the European Commission wants to promote broader interpretation of rules on tillage, soil cover and crop rotation or diversification at member state level, as well as allow environmental rules to be relaxed in the event of extreme weather conditions. In addition, the EU executive body also proposes exemption of small farms with an area of up to 10 hectares from inspections and fines.
— We are sending a clear message that agricultural policy is adapting to changing realities while remaining focused on the key priority of protecting the environment and adapting to climate change. The Commission will continue to steadfastly support our farmers who support EU food security and are at the forefront of our action on climate change and the environment, — noted President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Recall that a meeting of EU agriculture ministers to discuss these changes should take place in Brussels on March 26.
