Europe is seeking to better protect its farmers from foreign competition to ensure food security in the face of geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events. The new vision of EU officials includes fair support for farmers, simplified regulations and standards equivalent to those imposed on European farmers for imports. While progress is being
made to reduce dependence on imports and promote agricultural innovation, critics point to a lack of concrete action on environmental concerns and eating habits.
Among the measures adopted are:
· Imports of products treated with pesticides banned in the EU will be restricted.
· Europe aims to reduce its dependence on imports of protein crops (plants grown mainly for their protein content), fertilisers and to diversify its sources.
· Diversification of crop and fertilizer supply sources
· The food strategy is adapting to recent supply shocks (Covid, war in Ukraine, disruption of supply chains, etc.) But critics denounce a lack of sufficient environmental efforts.
· The EU plans to accelerate access to biopesticides and promote innovations such as gene editing.
Source : Bloomberg
