The next EU environment commissioner has said a new strategy on "water resilience" will be one of her key priorities, especially when it comes to agriculture.

Jessika Roswall, the Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, outlined to the European Parliament, Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, that her key priorities will revolve around the circular economy, zero-pollution and water resilience.

During her parliamentary hearing she also stressed in relation to key challenges facing Europe, particularly in relation to climate-related issues, water and the environment that she believes "farmers want to be a part of the solution".

Roswall said: "Farmers are important. They play an important part when it comes to biodiversity.

She also said that farmers "know first-hand the impact of water stress".

"They are often the first to face the damaging impact on our environment.

"For farmers and many others, the bioeconomy has great potential. EU companies are already in the forefront in this sector, but we can do so much more – as long as we are mindful that our natural resources are limited," Roswall added.

MEPs had questioned the Swedish candidate about her zero-pollution plan, the forestry sector and what climate adaptation measures she would support to mitigate the increase of extreme weather events.

They also raised questions over the possible introduction of nature credits, nature-related legislation, and debated the "environmental impact of agriculture".

The Commissioner-designate for Environment has pledged to work closely with the Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, "when it comes to the vision for agriculture".

"That's why we need to work closely together and that's why we also need to work on the technology already there," Roswall added.