In the context of recent crises including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and the Ukraine and Russia war, members of the European Parliament whom are part of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development have called on the European Commission to draw up a strategic plan that ensures long-term food security. Demanding that such a plan be based on the maintenance of agricultural production through the implementation of alternative resources, the use of new genomic selection techniques and irrigation strategies. This was done through a resolution that came out during the last days of April.
The main objective is to reduce the EU’s dependence on imports through the implementation of a strategic plan involving livestock feed and proteins. Parliamentarians also advocate for the adoption of genomic techniques that make crops more resistant to extreme weather conditions, while reducing the use of fertilisers and chemical pesticides. Supporting the development of precision agriculture and call for its implementation on small farms, to improve agricultural productivity within the region.
On another note:
In order to protect the EU farming sector, solidarity lanes must be improved and transports of Ukrainian grain should not be unloaded in the EU, reads a letter of Norbert Lins. The Chair of the EP’s Agriculture Committee, supported by all political groups in the Committee called on the European Commission “to protect the EU farming sector from the repercussions of the Russian invasion, and to address market disturbances which may risk to fuel fear and resentment among farmers and feed Russian propaganda”.
You may also like to read: “Livestock production: Contributions to human health & global food security.”