A look at the sustainable future of the planet
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Agriculture and its environmental impact
Agriculture, especially livestock, contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. If we take into account the entire food production system, including distribution, transport and sale, this figure rises to 26%. Therefore, it is necessary to transform the sector to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This transformation cannot be based solely on technology or on imposing a more bureaucratic phytosanitary and ecological control, as this would negatively affect small farms. A complete review of the current agri-food production model is needed.
The role of agriculture in biodiversity
The negative impact of agriculture on biodiversity comes mainly from intensive farming and extensive monoculture practices promoted by large companies. Importantly, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the EU’s climate policy are being implemented in a way that penalizes family and small-scale farming, rather than focusing on agro-industry. This generates a conflict between farmers and environmental policies, since many of them are not against the fight against climate change, but the way in which it is being implemented.
The European Green Pact and its objectives
The European Green Deal sets out several objectives for the future of agriculture in the EU. These include increasing the share of organic farming to 25% by 2030, regenerating 20% of damaged ecosystems and reducing CO₂ emissions by 55% by the same date. However, these goals have generated tension in the field and many experts consider them to be unrealistic. It is important to emphasize that the European Green Pact should redesign the entire agri-food system to make it more sustainable and protect all steps of the food chain.
The strategic dialogue for the future of agriculture in the EU
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed a strategic dialogue for the future of agriculture in the EU, in which farmers, ecologists, consumers, companies and other sectors involved will participate. This initiative seeks to find agreed solutions and take into account the different perspectives to face the environmental and agricultural challenges. Although this dialogue is considered a positive measure, some experts consider that it should have been carried out earlier. It is important to establish a constructive dialogue between the ecological world and the agricultural world to find solutions that benefit both the environment and farmers.
The importance of ecological and local agriculture
Ecological and local agriculture can be a solution to the ecological and climate crisis, as well as to help local farming. This type of agriculture has a smaller impact on the environment and can generate more employment. Importantly, conventional agriculture has a business model that primarily benefits large companies, while organic agriculture can benefit farmers and family farms.
The conflict with renewable energies
Solar and wind energy do not generate conflict with agriculture. The space required for the production of renewable energy is much lower than the available agricultural surface. In addition, there are solutions such as agrovoltaica, which combines the production of solar energy with crop fields, providing shade for plants that need lower temperatures. It is important to note that renewable energy can be an opportunity for farmers, as they can lease land for the installation of solar panels or other infrastructure.
The need for adequate dialogue and support
It is essential to establish a dialogue between the different actors involved in agriculture to find solutions that benefit both the environment and farmers. In addition, it is necessary to provide support, advice and training to farmers to adapt to the new environmental regulations and the technological revolution that the agricultural sector is experiencing. This support is particularly important for family and small-scale farming, which needs help to face the necessary changes.
