The Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy

The strategies assume very ambitious quantitative objectives related to the reduction in the use of pesticides, antibiotics, fertilisers and increasing the share of organic farming or assigning a part of agricultural land for landscape features of ecological value. The proposed changes will require multiple technological and organisational adjustments. Including investment in agricultural holdings, research, ensuring an effective farm advisory system and transfer of new knowledge.

“Strategies related to the Green Deal prepared in the EC set the direction of economic activities for the future, taking into account environmental and climate challenges. Care for nature, climate – that’s generally the right direction in agriculture. However, the required ambitious measures can’t represent an excessive, unilateral burden on agriculture and the food industry,” the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture said.

Minister Ardanowski emphasised that the most important objective of agriculture is to ensure food security for society – both on a national and European scale. And we must not forget about this. It is also a priority for the common agricultural policy. The current situation related to the coronavirus pandemic has clearly reminded us of this.

“Thanks to agriculture, we didn’t lack food during the epidemic. These are great thanks to the farmers. We want agriculture to come out of the epidemic stronger and more resistant. I’m convinced that the strategies in line with the European Green Deal propose important objectives. It’s absolutely necessary to act in this direction. However, they will have a huge, probably the greatest impact on European agriculture in history and we want to be sure that they won’t destroy agriculture,” J. K. Ardanowski said.

The Minister emphasised that we need both new technologies in the field of plant protection, new pesticides, biocides and a new approach to animal health.

Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski pointed out that there are still many unanswered questions. “Ambitious goals – 50% reduction in pesticides and antibiotics – yes, but what will be the approach to the current level of use? Is it equal for all countries?” the Minister enquired.

“Organic farming – these proposals are undoubtedly right, but are we implementing ecological methods of agricultural production or expecting results in the form of organic products, because it’s not the same,” the head of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture pointed out.

“I’m convinced that there must also be a correction to the European Union’s trade policy. Opening up to other regions of the world, producing according to other standards, when we strengthen these standards strongly – requires rethinking,” J. K. Ardanowski emphasised.

Despite the fact that the presented strategies and their objectives are currently proposals of the European Commission, an important stage of the EC’s decision in their implementation will be the appropriate budget for financing the common agricultural policy for 2021-2027.

The budget of the new CAP (2021-2027)

The EC’s proposals of 27 May this year related to increasing the budget are going in the right direction. For Polish agriculture, they mean a significant increase in funds compared to the 2018 proposals. Imposing increased requirements related to the environment and the climate entails high costs for agriculture. The common agricultural policy as it stands is not able to finance these additional costs and requires further support.

Minister Ardanowski emphasised that the presented CAP budget for 2021-2027 is lacking resources to ensure external convergence of direct payments. Weakening of farms after the COVID-19 crisis occurred in all EU countries. The new high costs of the Green Deal borne by all farmers will deepen economic differences between agricultural holdings and maintain unequal conditions of competition. Therefore, it will be Poland’s priority in further negotiations of the common financial framework. Similarly to obtaining adequate support for our country for rural development and agriculture.

During the discussion, ministers asked a lot of questions about the Green Deal and agriculture development strategies in the EU, and expect that in the coming months work will be intensified to clarify these specific issues, so as to create a single, coherent message to European farmers.