Modern farming
US farm boss warns EU agrifood trade could be ‘perdue’ after Farm to Fork
US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has voiced concerns that the EU Green Deal could undermine trade and affect the “viability of EU farmers”, a claim that has been refuted by his EU counterpart.
Let’s talk about pork…
An EU-funded campaign has been launched in France, Spain and Portugal to ‘demystify’ the production of pork. Joanna Swabe argues that if we’re going to ‘talk about pork’, let’s talk about routine violations of animal welfare legislation and eating less of it.
EIB official: €200 billion needed to build broadband infrastructure in EU rural areas
In order for citizens in Europe’s rural areas to have broadband access to at least 100 megabits per second, approximately €200 billion will be needed, according to Harald Gruber from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Young farmers need a toolbox ‘as broad as possible’ to achieve Farm to Fork goals
Ensuring that food producers will be provided with the appropriate alternatives is the best way to make progress in meeting the specific objectives set up in the new Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), according to young European farmers interviewed by EURACTIV.
Kyriakides: Investments will match EU’s ambition on sustainable food systems
The EU's determination to become a global leader in sustainability will be matched by investments in solutions to deliver on the commitments set out in the EU's new food policy, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview.
Farm to Fork Strategy: What role of nutrients?
Looking at the future of agriculture in general, and the fertiliser industry in particular, the challenges of sustainable food production are apparent. Growing food demand will force farmers to invest in innovative tools to increase production, ensuring maximum efficiency from...
UK Environment secretary offers support for gene editing, diverges from EU stance
In an environmental audit meeting on Thursday (18 June), UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice offered his support for gene editing after Brexit, saying that the UK government disagrees with the EU stance on...
German Green faction pushes for gene editing, overhaul of regulation
In an unprecedented move, a group of German Green MPs, including one Green EU lawmaker, have backed the use of gene editing technologies in a new paper, diverging from the party's general position and saying genetic engineering could play a key role in improving sustainability.
Food security again under EU spotlight in the wake of COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on the EU's new food policy, as the Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), presented on Wednesday (20 May), demonstrated a renewed interest in food security to ensure the supply during crises of any nature.
Commission upholds highly ambitious targets to transform EU food system
After several delays, the EU's new flagship food policy was finally released on Wednesday (20 May), confirming the aspiration of the EU executive to transform the European way of producing, distributing and consuming food.OpinionPromoted content
Sustainability and innovation should go hand in hand in the EU
In the last two decades, Europe has decided to go its own way in agricultural policies. While both North and South America, and also Japan have moved to even more technology-driven modern agriculture, Europe went backward and keeps banning more and more scientifically proven advances and methods in agriculture.
Embracing innovation for a stable and secure food supply
Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, Europe must invest in innovation to enhance food security, as the ongoing crisis has laid bare the vulnerabilities of our seemingly strong system, writes Igor Teslenko.
Ensuring data sovereignty ‘major challenge’ for European farmers
The virtues of digital farming have been extolled by many, including the European Commission and industry voices. But, as a recent situation in the US demonstrates, digital farming carries concerns which requires careful consideration.
Sustainable rooftop-fish-farming conquers Brussels city heights
Europe's largest urban farm, located on the rooftops of the EU capital, raises fish and grows vegetables while meeting strict circular economy criteria. The founder of BIGH (Building Integrated Greenhouses), Steven Beckers, says his urban farm plans to emulate his successful practice across the border. EURACTIV France reports.
Agricultural drones are gradually ‘taking off’ in France
France is experimenting with drones as a means of spraying pesticides so that by 2021 it may launch the practice as it could lead to more precise treatments, as well as a reduction in the use of phytosanitary products. EURACTIV France reports.
Could robot weeders be the solution to France’s pesticide problem?
As farmers are urged to reduce their use of plant protection products, they are forced to take on manual weeding, a tedious task for which manpower is hard to find. But could so-called 'robot weeders' provide a solution to this problem? EURACTIV France reports.
How is tech revolutionising the agricultural sector?
High-tech is gaining ground in the age-old world of agriculture and agricultural innovations have gradually revolutionised work in the fields and on the farm in recent years.
‘Agri-tech’ spreading like wildfire across French farms
Technology can already be found everywhere on French farms, but the so-called "agri-tech" trend wants to push innovation even further. Two hundred fifty of France's start-ups are already specialising in agriculture and working towards developing software, drones, robots, artificial intelligence and satellites. EURACTIV France reports.
LEAK: EU plans ‘common data spaces’ to exploit agriculture and health potential
The EU aims to create common data spaces to increase the quality of services when it comes to agriculture and healthcare, according to a European Commission data strategy draft seen by EURACTIV.com. In the field of agriculture, inspired by a...
In Paris, organic farming takes over fallow parking lots
In Paris, as in many European cities, the number of cars is declining, which is leaving a vast amount of underground car parks empty. With its start-up project called "La Caverne", Cycloponics is reclaiming these urban territories using them as a way of growing plenty of organic vegetables. EURACTIV France reports.OpinionPromoted content
Fighting malnutrition: Golden Rice and the EU’s GMO conundrum
In the last two decades, the cultivation of genetically biofortified crops, such as Golden Rice, to help solve the global humanitarian crisis of “malnutrition” remains elusive. Let’s consider the facts.
Italian minister: Unlike gene editing, GMOs belong to the past
Italy's agricultural minister Teresa Bellanova expressed an interest in developing sustainable biotechnology, in the light of a milestone agreement on next-gen biotech between farmers organisation Coldiretti and the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics (SIGA).
EU health chief wants more information on gene editing
The new EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides wants more information about the controversial issue of gene editing and for now, she seems less enthusiastic than her predecessor Vytenis Andriukaitis.