As the European Organic Congress kicked off today (Tuesday, September 10), the organic food and farming movement called for “an ambitious reform” to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), in order to deliver on sustainability.
The group published its shared vision on a CAP fit for the future, following the final report on the strategic dialogue, which was presented to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
In the publication, the organic movement states that a CAP fit for the future is in line with the Strategic Dialogue’s opinion conclusion.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) stated that a transition to sustainable agri-food systems is “necessary”, and there are solutions that work for farmers, nature and society.
IFOAM stated that this transition should be achieved while also including the following:
- Supporting all farmers who want to transform their farms sustainably using a whole-farm approach;
- Adequately rewarding farmers engaged in sustainability systems, such as organic farmers, for the benefits they already deliver to the environment and society;
- Ensuring the sector’s competitiveness.
IFOAM organics Europe’s president, Jan Plagge said: “The agri-food sector is facing multiple challenges, so the CAP must undergo an ambitious reform to stay relevant and deliver environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
“The CAP post-2027 should support both farmers who want to be and those who already are more environmentally ambitious.”
CAP reform
IFOAM Organics Europe Board Member and farming sector representative , Thomas Fertl said:
“We propose a three-stage approach to ensure proportionality between a farm’s level of environmental ambition and the funding it receives, based on key areas: soil protection, impact on water, climate, and biodiversity.
“This would allow for high environmental ambitions, a coherent approach at farm level, while easing administration for farmers and national authorities.”
IFOAM stated that CAP should play a role in market regulation to strengthen farmers’ position in the agri-food supply chain, along with ensuring a “decent income”.