The digitisation of the EU farming sector, necessary to enable it to compete with the rising global competition, has taken centre stage in the discussions over the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The European Commission has made it clear that providing innovation-driven solutions is the only way for the EU agricultural sector to move forward and address a number of challenges ranging from environment and economy to rural societies in general.
The new CAP’s delivery model gives member states more room to deal with their own special agricultural needs. “Member states and not the European Commission will direct the precise support and funding for innovation and digitisation of farming in the post-2020 CAP, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan recently told EURACTIV Romania in an interview.
Another hot topic when it comes to innovation in EU farming is the so-called new plant breeding techniques. The term NPBTs describes a number of scientific methods for the genetic engineering of plants to enhance factors like drought tolerance and pest resistance.
In July 2018, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that organisms obtained by mutagenesis plant breeding technique are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and should, in principle, fall under the GMO Directive.
The decision shocked the industry while Hogan said he was “surprised” by the EU ruling. The EU member states remain confused about the issue and the EU executive is now checking the next steps.
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Digitalising agriculture: Opportunities and market control
With the new CAP, the EU Commission is set to foster innovation and digitalisation in agriculture. German companies are hoping for multi-billion euro deals, yet management and infrastructural issues stand in the way.
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Andriukaitis: New plant breeding techniques need new regulatory framework
The 'new plant breeding techniques' need new EU legislation that takes into account the latest advanced technologies, EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis told EURACTIV.com, adding there was too much manipulation and "scare-mongering" around the issue.
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Industry calls on EU member states to show ‘clear commitment’ in smart farming
The EU manufacturers of agricultural machinery (CEMA) have called on member states to indicate a “clear commitment” to the digitisation of European agriculture as the only way to face the environmental and economic challenges. This message has also been acknowledged by the European Commission.
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Digital innovation also creates new risks for farmers
Although the European Commission and machine manufacturers sing the praises of digitalisation in agriculture, others point to the risk of creating new dependencies for farmers on multinationals. EURACTIV France reports.
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Genome editing is going to be high on next Parliament agenda, MEP says
Protecting plants genetically rather than chemically will become increasingly important in future farming, but this also highlights the need to solve the legal pitfall created by a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on gene editing, MEP Paolo De Castro told EURACTIV.
