Agrifood
Putting agriculture at the heart of Africa’s rising
Farming accounts for around 60% of all jobs in sub-Saharan Africa. Governments, the African Union and the EU are keen to promote the industrialization of the African farming sector. But rapid population growth, the effects of climate change and lack of access to finance are among the threats to the future growth of African agriculture and its capacity to feed its people.
Where are the e-tools to modernise the CAP?
The European Commission presented last June its proposals about the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In light of the rising global competition, analysts stress the need for a quicker adoption of new technologies in the sector, warning that otherwise the EU will be left behind.
A difficult balance: Science, politics and policy-making on food
The discussion about food policies in Europe is often heated up and quite frequently politicised. The right balance between science, politics and policy-making has always been difficult to achieve.
Science, public opinion and policy-making
The re-authorisation of Monsanto’s weedkiller glyphosate and the ban of three neonicotinoids – a class of insecticide – have opened a heated debate on the role of science in policy-making.
Short food supply chains in Europe’s North
The development of short food supply chains – where intermediaries between farmers and consumers are removed – should result in fairer remunerations for farmers and higher quality local food products, supporters say.
Building partnerships: international development and sustainable business
The European Development Days has established itself as a key fixture in the world's development calendar. The EU plans to revamp its development tools and financial investment instruments in the next seven-year budget, increasing the role of the private sector.
The fine line between brands and health
For the World Health Organisation, plain packaging is considered an effective way to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products and increase the effectiveness of health warnings. But the industry disagrees and points to a fine line between over-regulation and the need to protect consumers.
The role of innovation in Europe’s animal health
In an effort to minimise animal diseases’ outbreaks, the European Commission adopted in 2007 the “Prevention is better than cure” approach when it comes to animal health strategy. According to the executive, the objective was to focus on preventive measures, disease surveillance, controls and research.
Do new plant breeding techniques have a future in Europe?
The European Court of Justice is expected to decide soon about the future of the so-called new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) in Europe. The term describes a number of scientific methods for the genetic engineering of plants to enhance traits...
Tackling ammonia emissions from agriculture
Agriculture generates around 94% of all ammonia emissions in the EU, the vast majority of which comes from livestock excreta. Greenpeace estimates the livestock share at almost 80%, while mineral fertiliser application accounts for approximately 20%.
Economic viability in the next CAP
EU farmers are calling for a simplified Common Agricultural Policy that will provide security for them to invest in their business and make a profit. Can the next CAP ensure a healthy and profitable business environment in the farming sector?
Post-2020 CAP: simplification and investments
The European Commission, steered by Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, has taken a number of initiatives to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and help EU farmers cope with the rising demands. The public consultation on modernising and simplifying the CAP...
Can advanced biofuels really work?
As part of the Renewable Energy Directive review (RED II), the Commission proposed a gradual phase-out of food-based biofuels, which should be replaced by “more advanced biofuels” that do not compete with food crops.
European forests and climate change
Forests are Europe’s biggest carbon sinks and forestry the sector with the greatest potential to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the quantities needed to meet the bloc’s objectives under the Paris Agreement.
How the CAP works for you
The European Commission is working on a major redesign of the Common Agricultural Policy for the post-2020 period. Observers expect a major overhaul of the policy’s structure and the repatriation of certain responsibilities to the EU member states.
‘Working’ toward healthy eating
People want healthy food. The question for policymakers now is, how do you make it most easy and cost-effective for them to get that food?
Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?
The European Commission's proposal to limit the use of biofuels in transport has drawn heated reactions from farmers who have warned about the effects on jobs and the economy.
Can the next CAP measure its green performance?
The discussion about the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy has kicked off as well as the talks about the policy’s long-term green obligations.
The added value of EU quality schemes
Europe’s farmers are coming under extraordinary financial pressure as shifting export markets and volatile prices take their toll. But new markets are emerging and consumers in Europe and beyond are increasingly choosing to buy high-quality products from the EU.
Regulating consumers?
Over the years, sales and marketing restrictions have piled up on food, drinks and alcohol products. Some are now beginning to worry about a “slippery slope” where tobacco-style regulations – and taxation – are being applied to a whole range of consumer products in the name of public health objectives.
Rural Renaissance
Developing rural areas across Europe has emerged as a necessity in order for the EU to meet a wide range of economic, environmental and social challenges.
Farmers under pressure
EU farmers’ income has come under rising pressure from a number of factors, ranging from climate change, high input costs, the Russia embargo and sluggish demand from China.
EU farming getting smarter
The European Union is exploring ways of helping its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) enter the digital era after 2020.