The European Parliament has adopted an EU action plan for organic agriculture, the success of which relies on national strategies, the support of farmers, as well as on investments in supply chains and research.
The action plan was adopted today (Tuesday, May 3) by 611 votes to 14, with five abstentions.
And, in doing so, MEPs stressed that organic farming is a key element for achieving environmental and climate objectives, and called for market-driven development of the organic sector, national and regional approaches as well the support to research in organic farming.
Market-driven and supported organic farming
The adopted resolution points out many benefits of organic farming for climate-change mitigation, biodiversity and soil protection.
While the text stresses that the development and growth of the organic sector must be market-driven, it also calls for a sufficient support of farmers from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds.
Supply chains and public procurement
The resolution underlines the important role of the supply chain for organic agriculture, which should be short, local, seasonal and smart.
It, therefore, calls for investments easing the development of short food chains.
Acknowledging the role that the private sector plays in stimulating demand for organic products, MEPs say that member states should encourage retail chains to promote organic consumption.
There is not a single farming model that fits all countries and regions, according to the resolution.
Member states should, thus, establish their own national or regional strategies for organic farming.
These strategies should include public procurement procedures promoting local supply chains and green public procurement aiming at healthier, more environmentally friendly diet in public institutions and at the reduction of organic products waste.
Research and innovation
Research and innovation in livestock production or in ensuring the availability of the necessary protein feed, vitamins and plant protection products are key to the sustainability of the organic farming sector, say MEPs.
They, therefore, encourage a science-based approach and innovations on novel plant nutrient sources as well as research into organic seeds.
Rapporteur for the report, Simone Schmiedtbauer (EPP, AT), said:
“With the EU organic action plan, we make sure that there is a good mix of the right instruments, incentives and sufficient flexibility so that each EU country has tailor-made opportunities to further develop its organic sector individually and bring the European organic vision into its own national or regional organic strategies.
“The action plan aims to ensure that organic supply and demand grow side by side in an equal manner.
“As ultimately, the expansion of organics is not only about climate, environment and animal welfare, but also about economic efficiency for our farmers.”