Annexes to COM(2021)141 - Action plan for the development of organic production - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2021)141 - Action plan for the development of organic production. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2021)141  |
| date | March 25, 2021 |
·stimulate the sector’s visibility through awards recognising excellence in the organic food chain in the EU.
1.2. Promoting organic canteens and increasing the use of green public procurement
Cities, towns and regions all play an increasingly important role in promoting organic production. The development of canteens favouring organic food, as well as offering organic food vouchers to vulnerable people, for instance, could provide significant opportunities for increased organic consumption and production. Existing networks should be encouraged to widen the number of cities and towns involved in national or local strategies promoting organic food in canteens.
KEY FIGURES
Copenhagen is the first city that has reached 100% organic public canteens, supplied by around 25 000 hectares of organic farmland mainly around the city. Vienna has a network of organic urban gardens of around 860 ha that also supplies public canteens, in particular nurseries. Rome serves around 1 million organic meals per day in public canteens.
A shift to organics could trigger potential benefits for peri-urban agricultural and aquaculture activities, the development of local supply chains and exchanges of best practices, for example between public canteens and restaurants. At the same time, providing organic products in canteens will make these products accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Green public procurement (GPP) offers potential to boost organic farming. In the implementation of such procurement procedures, special attention should be paid to small farms, micro-enterprises and SMEs. In October 2019, the Commission issued new EU GPP criteria for food, catering services and vending machines. 18 There is nevertheless still a lack of knowledge among public administrations - particularly local ones – on the possibilities offered by GPP when organising public procurements. In the Farm to Fork strategy, the Commission commits to determining the best way of setting minimum mandatory criteria for sustainable food procurement to promote healthy and sustainable diets, including organic products, in schools and public institutions, which should be the basis for any future action of the Commission in this area.
Action 3: To stimulate a greater uptake of organics in public canteens, the Commission will, together with stakeholders and Member States:
·boost the awareness of the criteria for GPP issued in 2019, of the work on Public Procurement of Food for Health, and of the Joint Action BestREMAP 19 ;
·integrate organic products into the minimum mandatory criteria for sustainable food public procurement to be developed as part of the legislative framework for sustainable food systems by 2023;
·analyse the current situation as regards the application of EU GPP. The Commission will use the national action plans on organic farming to monitor the application of GPP and call on Member States for an increase in the use of GPP by public authorities. It will also invite Member States to fix ambitious national targets for organics in GPP;
·prepare, in close cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the Covenant of Mayors, specific events for public administrations in charge of public catering, to raise awareness of EU GPP by linking these initiatives to the European Climate Pact, starting in 2022.
1.3. Reinforcing organic school schemes
The EU school scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products to children, combined with educational activities, with the aim of reconnecting children with agriculture and teaching healthy eating habits, thereby encouraging a healthy diet and sustaining the short- and long-term consumption of the products under the scheme.
In line with the Farm to Fork strategy, Member States should prioritise the distribution of organic products under the EU school scheme, through selection or award criteria in procurement procedures and/or through more favourable conditions. The Commission will reflect these principles in the revision of the school schemes. At present, several countries do not prioritise organic products, mainly because they are often more expensive than non-organic, which could be mitigated by Member States taking tax measures such as removing reduced rates on pesticides as agricultural inputs.
Action 4: As part of the review of the EU school scheme framework planned for 2023 under the Farm to Fork strategy, and in accordance with the Europe’s beating cancer plan, the Commission will:
·engage with Member States to identify ways to increase further the distribution of organic products in the school schemes. The Commission will call on Member States to continue increasing this share, and those further behind will need to make extra efforts; and
·carry out a study on real price of food, including the role of taxation, with a view to developing recommendations.
1.4. Preventing food fraud and strengthening consumer trust
The success of organic products in terms of market development and consumer preference depends on consumer trust in the EU organic logo and its control system. Fraudulent behaviour and intentional violations of organic rules can harm consumer confidence in organic products.
Cooperation between officials with agri-food chain knowledge, police and customs officers with investigative powers, judges and prosecutor administrations is very important at national and EU level to prevent and fight against fraud in organics. This also applies to enhancing and optimising the use of new technologies.
Action 5: The Commission will, starting in 2021, strengthen the fight against fraudulent practices and in particular:
·ensure a robust supervision of control systems in Member States and third countries; increase cooperation with Member State administrations and third countries recognised as equivalent, relying – inter alia - on their means and results of previous audits;
·assist Member States in developing and implementing an organic fraud prevention policy, through targeted workshops to share lessons learnt and best practices;
·cooperate with the EU Food Fraud Network and Europol in analysing the sector to prevent fraud and coordinate investigations; increase cooperation with competent authorities and law enforcement bodies in third countries to exchange information on the organic trade and fraud;
·support Member States with guidance on reinforced imports control at the border;
·promote stronger measures to tackle fraudulent practices through the sanctions catalogues;
·put in place measures to inform consumers and/or to recall from the market products where fraud is identified; and
·develop early warning systems, using artificial intelligence for data mining in EU (e.g. the Information Management System for Official Controls - IMSOC 20 ) and Member State databases.
1.5. Improving traceability
The reputation of the organic sector relies on the ability to trace products from the fork back to the farm. To strengthen traceability and transparency, it is important to have a clear overview of the operators that are involved in the production, distribution and marketing of organic products in the EU. Control bodies are already required to publish on their website organic operators’ certificates, but this information is not yet centralised on a single pan-EU website.
Action 6: The Commission will, as of 2021:
·develop a database of certificates of all EU operators, and later also relevant third country operators, building on the analysis already started under the 2014 action plan, and as a follow-up to European Court of Auditors recommendations 21 ;
·promote the enrolment of competent authorities and control bodies sign certificates of inspection in TRACES digitally. This paperless process will reduce the administrative burden and the risk of forgery of documents; and
·coordinate regular traceability exercises on organic products in cooperation with Member States, their control bodies and third countries, especially in cases of food fraud suspicion.
Digital technologies can help tag, trace, localise and share product-related data and the Commission is working on solutions such as digital passports. The organic sector could benefit from the use of new technologies, in particular as it is characterised by increasingly complex value chains and a need for transparency. Artificial intelligence, blockchain and similar technologies can help strengthen organic certification, in particular by ensuring transparency along the supply chain and the traceability of products contributing to consumer trust.
Action 7: The Commission will, as of 2021:
·in synergy with the work on digital product passports, assess to what extent the traceability of organic products could benefit from blockchain or other digital technologies and envisage, in a second step, a pilot project with stakeholders. These steps will be supplemented by actions under Horizon Europe on the use of blockchain technologies in the agri-food sector as well as other targeted research & innovation actions aimed at developing innovative solutions to trace organic food.
1.6. The contribution of the private sector
Retailers, catering services, restaurants and delivery services can play an important role in promoting organic food products. They can, for instance, ensure a sufficient and affordable offer of organic products in food shops, supermarkets and online shops, and of organic menus in restaurants and catering services. These actions can be combined with an explanation of the economic, environmental and social benefits of organic production.
Moreover, the private sector can play an important role in promoting organic food, including by informing their employees about the benefits of organic farming (e.g. using communication material made available by the EU), offering organic products in their canteens, and rewarding their employees with ‘bio-cheques’ they can use to purchase organic farming products.
Action 8: With the objective of reinforcing the role of retailers, wholesalers, catering services, restaurants and other businesses, the Commission will, starting in 2021:
·aim at obtaining clear commitments from relevant stakeholders to support and increase the distribution and sale of organic products, in the context of the Farm to Fork strategy’s code of conduct for responsible business and marketing practices, and disseminate best practices in relevant platforms like the Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform; and
·establish partnerships with businesses willing to promote the use of organic products as part of their corporate sustainability policy. These measures will be further discussed in the platform for Business and Biodiversity 22 .
AXIS 2. ON THE WAY TO 2030: STIMULATING CONVERSION AND REINFORCING THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN
As mentioned above, the EU average of 8.5% hides substantial differences between Member States as regards the share of agricultural land dedicated to organic farming: from a low of 0.5% to a high of more than 25%. The same applies to organic aquaculture production, which is increasing significantly in some Member States, while others are still in the early stages of this production method 23 .
These differences between Member States are partially due to the fact that adequate structures are lacking in some of them. Putting in place adequate structures would enable the proper channelling of organic production in supply chains, which would in turn allow farmers to benefit fully from the added value of organic production. The action plan should drive the uptake of organic production, notably in those Member States where the share is below EU average. Most Member States have already defined national targets concerning the agricultural area under organic production, in most cases as a share of the utilised agricultural area.
In parallel, the CAP remains a key tool for supporting the conversion. Currently, around 1.8% of CAP is used to support organic farming. The future CAP will include eco-schemes which will be backed by a budget of EUR 38 – 58 billion, for the period 2023 – 2027, depending on the outcome of the negotiations 24 . The ecoschemes can be deployed to boost organic farming. The EMFAF will continue to provide support to conversion to organic aquaculture.
1.
2.
2.1. Encouraging conversion, investment and exchange of best practices
The CAP’s rural development programmes have made financial support available to farmers to convert their holdings to organic production and to maintain them. This support has proven fundamental in incentivising farmers to convert to organic farming. It is a major factor in the increase in land area under organic production. For the future CAP, Member States will have the flexibility to support organic operators in a tailored manner under both the rural development funds and with targeted direct income support eco-schemes. The budget for support measures to organic conversion and maintenance as well as that for investment support in CAP strategic plans should align with the national ambition to increase organic production.
Organic farming provides a valuable contribution to the CAP’s and Common Fisheries Policy’s (CFP) specific objectives, in particular ‘ensuring a fair income for farmers’, ‘rebalancing farmers’ position in the value chain’, ‘ensuring sustainable development and efficient management of the natural resources’, ‘protecting biodiversity ecosystem services and habitat and landscapes’ and ‘improving the response of EU agriculture and EU aquaculture to societal demands on food and health, as well as animal welfare’.
Organic farming is specifically addressed in the recommendations made to the Member States on the nine specific objectives of the CAP. In these recommendations, the European Commission asks Member States to set explicit national values for the organic area target, taking into account their specific situation and the above-mentioned recommendations.
The Commission will foster technical assistance to farmers across the EU in the post-2020 CAP to encourage the uptake of organic farming. Support for organic aquaculture will be granted via the 2021-2027 European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Developing the organic sector also requires upskilling and re-skilling the agri-food workforce. The European Pact for Skills provides opportunities for large-scale skills partnerships in industrial eco-systems such as the agri-food one and should be fully mobilised to reach the objectives set in this Communication.
Action 9: In the framework of the new CAP and CFP, the Commission will:
·starting in 2023, assess the specific circumstances and needs of Member States regarding the growth of the organic sector, and ensure Member States make the best use of the possibilities offered by the new CAP to support their national organic sector. This support will include technical assistance, the exchange of best practices and innovations in organics, and the full use of relevant CAP instruments such as eco-schemes and rural development environmental management commitments, which include organic farming. Farm advisory services on specific topics will be strengthened, notably as part of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), to promote relevant knowledge exchange;
·starting in 2022, promote the exchange of best practices (education and training curricula, courses, materials, etc.) at EU and national level allowing education providers (e.g. technical schools, universities) to develop courses on organic farming as part of the general curriculum and present innovative solutions targeting the organic sector (production, processing, retailing and consumption). EU demonstration farm networks will be set up on specific topics to promote a participatory approach (dissemination). Best practices and synergies with the EIP-AGRI projects will be promoted via the future CAP network; and
·encourage Member States to include the increase of organic aquaculture in their reviewed Multi-annual National Strategic plans for aquaculture, and to make the best use of possibilities offered by the EMFAF 2021-2027 for achieving this purpose. The Commission will also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovation on organic aquaculture in the context of the Open Method of Coordination.
2.2. Developing sector analysis to increase market transparency
The availability of data – particularly on production, prices along the organic food supply chain, trade, consumer preferences, and specific marketing channels - is essential for shaping, monitoring and evaluating EU policy on organic production. Further efforts to gather, analyse and disseminate data on a regular basis will increase transparency and confidence in the organic sector.
Action 10: To provide a comprehensive overview on the sector, the Commission will, starting in 2021:
·publish regular reports on organic production in the EU based on Eurostat data, containing, in particular, information on surfaces, holdings involved in organic production, and the main production sector; and
·publish a yearly report on imports of organic products from third countries.
Stakeholders, public administrations and academia are also increasingly interested in having access to accurate and timely data on organic products. This type of transparency will help build trust between operators in the food chain, ensure that production matches consumption trends, and ultimately allow operators to take better production and investment decisions.
Action 11: The Commission will, starting in 2022:
·intensify the collection of market data in collaboration with Member States and extend the EU Market Observatories’ analysis to organic products.
2.3. Supporting the organisation of the food chain
Organic farming is characterised by its scattered nature, with producers having access to a limited number of processors and retailers. Imbalances in the food chain limiting the bargaining power of organic farmers may increase as the overall market share of organic products in the food sector is increasing.
By creating or joining a ‘producer organisation’ 25 , organic farmers can benefit from EU funds under the CAP, and from the support and funds available under the Common market organisation for fisheries and aquaculture products and the EMFAF, to improve the organisation between the various actors in the organics supply chain. Operational programmes covering the production of organic fruit and vegetables receive a higher rate of co-financing. However, there is currently little knowledge on the degree of concentration in organic production and on whether its organisation needs particular attention.
Small farmers in the EU face relatively high costs and red tape linked to organic certification. Regulation 2018/848 on organic production will introduce a system of ‘group certification’ allowing farms meeting certain criteria to form a group with other small farms to reduce the inspection and certification costs and the associated administrative burden. This provision will also strengthen local networks and improve market outlets.
Action 12: The Commission will, starting in 2021:
·carry out an analysis of the degree of organisation in organic sector supply chains and identify ways to improve it in consultation with producer organisation representatives and other concerned stakeholders; and
·investigate the legal possibility of forming or joining specific organic producer organisations and, where possible, encourage Member States to allocate funds for this purpose. Producer organisations have greater market power and can generally help strengthen the position of organic farmers in the agri-food supply chain, particularly when faced with unfair trading practices 26 . If there is sufficient evidence that unfair trading practices penalising organic producers occur, the Commission shall address them by using all the tools at its disposal.
Action 13: The Commission will, starting 2022:
·raise awareness and provide better information about ‘group certification’, allowing small holding farmers to share the cost and administrative burden of certification, in line with Regulation 2018/848 on organic production.
2.4. Reinforcing local and small-volume processing and fostering short trade circuit
Organic farming has developed mainly at the primary production level, while organic processing is less developed and regulated. Therefore, investing in careful processing techniques and sustainable and reusable packaging, and achieving a better understanding of quality and safety issues in organic supply chains, in combination with regulations, is important for creating new value for consumers.
Minimising food mileage and climate change impacts is another challenge for organic supply chains, which calls for streamlining the logistics of organic produce and agricultural input networks 27 . This will enable small organic producers located in remote areas to find an outlet for their production and benefit from the added value of their organic status.
However, operators are often reluctant to convert to organics due to the lack of organised and efficient organic commercial supply chains. In addition to the cross-cutting problems faced by agri-food supply chains, organic distribution can entail high operating costs and an imbalance between supply and demand.
Exchanging experience and knowledge can encourage the creation of local food markets and short supply chains, and uphold the integrity of the organic quality of the product. Dedicated programmes and participation in rural networks are also important.
Organic production can help stimulate new business models. ‘Bio districts’ have proven successful in integrating organic farming and other local activities to enhance tourist appeal 28 also in areas that are off the mainstream tourist track. A ‘Bio district’ is a geographical area where farmers, the public, tourist operators, associations and public authorities enter into an agreement for the sustainable management of local resources, based on organic principles and practices. The aim is to maximise the economic and sociocultural potential of the territory. Each Bio district’ includes lifestyle, nutrition, human relations and nature considerations. This results in local agricultural production that is appreciated by consumers and hence has a higher market value.
Action 14: The Commission will, starting in 2023:
·engage with Member States and stakeholders to foster local and small-scale processing, in line with the objective of Regulation 2018/848 on organic production to move towards ‘shorter organic supply chains, providing environmental and social benefits’ as part of its efforts to support trade for organic products within the EU single market. This action will be reinforced by targeted research & innovation under Horizon Europe, including support for the use of digital technologies; and
·encourage Member States to support the development and the implementation of ‘Bio districts’.
Action 15: As organic farming can enhance social inclusion in rural areas while promoting decent working and living conditions, the Commission will, starting 2022:
·assist Member States in designing measures for organic farming in rural areas that promote gender equality and youth farmers/employment, which could include the sharing of best practices.
2.5. Improving animal nutrition in accordance with organic rules
Organic animal husbandry must meet the EU’s high animal welfare standards and meet animal species-specific behavioural needs, in line with the EU’s disease prevention approach to animal health. Essential feed additives, such as vitamins, are increasingly produced by fermentation with genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) 29 . As this production technique is not in line with organic principles, and as the feed additive industry might not apply for the authorisation of additives produced from conventional micro-organisms, supply problems for essential additives in organic livestock farming are increasing.
In addition to increasing the availability of locally sourced feed proteins, alternative sources of protein for feed should be found to ensure sustainable and diversified animal nutrition. These could include insects, marine feed stocks (e.g. algae) and by-products from the bio-economy (e.g. waste from fisheries and aquaculture). Moreover, the standards of organic animal feed should be kept up to date.
Action 16: The Commission intends to:
·support research and innovation under Horizon Europe on alternative sources of organic vitamins and other substances that might turn out to be necessary, and on alternative sources of protein keeping in mind their technical and economic feasibility;
·explore means to support the application for feed additives produced without GMM, feed based on insects as well as marine feed stocks; and
·adopt an algae initiative in 2022 to support EU algae production and support the EU algae industry to ensure the supply of algae as alternative feed material for organic animal farming.
2.6. Reinforcing organic aquaculture
Organic aquaculture can help meet consumer demand for diversified high quality food produced in a way that respects the environment and ensures animal welfare. It can also help fill the gap between EU aquaculture products demand and production for sustainable aquaculture products, and release pressure on wild stocks.
Action 17: Starting in 2022, the Commission intends to:
·support research and innovation on alternative sources of nutrients, breeding and animal welfare in aquaculture; the promotion of investments on adapted polyculture and multi-trophic aquaculture systems; and the promotion of hatcheries and nurseries activities for organic juveniles; and
·identify and address as appropriate any specific obstacles to the growth of EU organic aquaculture.
The new guidelines on the sustainable development of EU aquaculture, expected to be adopted by the Commission in spring 2021, will encourage Member States and stakeholders to support the increase in organic production.
AXIS 3: ORGANICS LEADING BY EXAMPLE: IMPROVING THE CONTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC FARMING TO SUSTAINABILITY
A sustainable and resilient agricultural and aquaculture sector depends on enhanced biodiversity, which is fundamental for a healthy ecosystem and critical for maintaining nutrients cycles in the soil, clean water and pollinators. Increased biodiversity allows farmers to adapt better to climate change. The organic sector is by its very nature oriented towards higher environmental standards, enshrined in its objectives and principles.
With a rise in global temperature and increasing weather unpredictability, it is important to step up the role that farming, including organic, plays in the fight against climate change. Extensive farming practices and the use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels provide the organic farming sector with the opportunity to lead the way to a better use of resources and to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
This action plan focuses exclusively on promoting organic farming and its contribution to sustainability. However, organic production also has the potential to improve its environmental impact. The environmental footprint of food production more broadly is tackled by the Farm to Fork strategy.
Research will be key for the achievement of these objectives. Within this context, the European Commission intends to dedicate at least 30% of the next calls related to Intervention Area 3 “Agriculture, forestry and rural areas” of Cluster 6 of Horizon Europe to topics specific to or relevant for the organic sector.
3.
3.1. Reducing climate and environmental footprint
Agriculture and aquaculture play a key role in meeting the EU’s ambition for a carbon neutral Europe by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming uses a number of management practices that contribute to climate change mitigation, with additional benefits for the environment and biodiversity.
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in both the public and the private interest in environmental information beyond the information currently offered by the organic label. Consumers are getting more interested in knowing the environmental impacts of the products so that they take sustainability-based decisions. Such decisions would support the EU’s Zero Pollution ambition. As announced in the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Consumer Agenda, the Commission will propose measures to fight greenwashing.
Action 18: The Commission will, starting in 2022:
·take steps 30 , to set up, in cooperation with stakeholders, a pilot network of climate positive organic holdings, to share best practices. 31 A proposed mission in the area of Soil Health and Food could contribute to the pilot network in particular through the deployment of living labs and lighthouses and other activities supporting carbon farming.
3.2. Enhancing genetic biodiversity and increasing yields
The role of organic farming in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, respecting biodiversity and the existence of natural predators, and preserving an ecological equilibrium, is well recognised. Regulation 2018/848 on organic production introduces specific objectives and related principles to protect biodiversity, which will strengthen the role of organic farmers as promoters of biodiversity preservation. As part of the Farm to Fork strategy, the Commission will also revise the Seeds Marketing Directives to facilitate the registration of seed varieties, including those used for organic farming, and develop actions to conserve genetic resources and develop seeds with a higher genetic variability and broader biodiversity potential.
Organic crops achieve lower yield compared with the conventional crops. Closing the yield gap is essential to ensure the economic viability, especial for those crops for which the yield gap is still relatively high.
Action 19: In order to enhance biodiversity and increase yields, the Commission intends to:
·starting in 2022, earmark funding under Horizon Europe to support the preservation and use of genetic resources, pre-breeding and breeding activities, and the availability of organic seeds, and to contribute to the development of organic heterogeneous plant reproductive material 32 and plant varieties suitable for organic production;
·set up EU demonstration farms networks to promote a participatory approach (dissemination). Best practices and synergies with the EIP-AGRI projects will be promoted via the future CAP network;
·strengthen farm advisory services, notably as part of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), to promote knowledge exchange of material suitable for the organic farming; and
·support research and innovation on improving organic yields.
3.3. Alternatives to contentious inputs and other plant protection products
Organic farming is recognised for the limitation of off-farms inputs. The organic legislation authorises the use of a specific set of plant protection products with a lower impact on the environment and on the soil. However, certain substances harm the soil fauna and, once leaked into ground waters, can endanger aquatic species. It is, therefore, important to continue to look into pathways to phase out or replace contentious inputs in organic farming, such as copper, and to develop alternatives to these products to allow organic farmers to protect crops.
Action 20: The Commission:
·starting in 2023, intends to earmark funding under Horizon Europe for research and innovation projects on alternative approaches to contentious inputs, paying particular attention to copper and other substances as assessed by the European Food Safety Authority; and
·starting in 2022, will, building on the forthcoming regulation on biopesticides, and via the strengthened farm advisory services, notably AKIS, foster where appropriate the use of alternative plant protection products, such as those containing biological active substances.
3.4. Enhancing animal welfare
Organic farming already plays an important role in improving the welfare of animals, which is an integral part of the sustainability of food systems. Better animal welfare improves animal health and food quality, reduces the need for medication, and can help preserve biodiversity. In line with the Farm to Fork strategy, actions need to be taken to further improve animal welfare, mobilising all instruments available to better respond to citizens’ expectations and demands. While the Commission will revise the animal welfare legislation to ultimately ensure a higher level of animal welfare, organic farming should remain the model in terms of animal welfare protection and entail a guarantee for the consumer that animals were well treated along the chain and could fulfil their natural needs and behaviours whether at farm level or during transport, as animals should be spared any avoidable pain, distress or suffering including at the time of killing.
Action 21: In the context of the Animal Welfare Platform, the Commission will:
·continue working with Member States and civil society to find concrete and operational ways to further improve animal welfare in organic production.
3.5. Making more efficient use of resources
Circular economy policies place resource-efficiency at the centre of decision-making, ensuring added value and that resources can be used and re-used longer, thus eliminating waste, minimising the demand for resources (like water, fossil fuels and energy), improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Over the past 50 years, the economic role of plastics has steadily increased, and plastics have become important for an increasing number of products and product chains. However, the production of plastics and the incineration of plastics waste give rise to significant greenhouse gas emissions 33 .
Much plastic is still being used in organic farming: in mulch films, greenhouses and tunnels, silage films, nets for storing animal feeds, shellfish ropes and packaging. Aside improving the reuse, collection and recycling of conventional plastics, farmers need more clarity on when biobased and biodegradable plastics can contribute in a circular economy.
Action 22: The Commission intends to:
·adopt a Framework on bio-based, compostable and biodegradable plastic 34 , which will include principles and criteria under which the use of sustainable bio-based materials that are easily bio-degradable in natural conditions is beneficial to the environment. The Framework will cover all plastics, including for uses in all types of agriculture, and will therefore also be highly relevant for organic farming leading the way in terms of sustainability.
Some agricultural practices are the main obstacles to the EU’s fresh waters and marine waters achieving good status under both the water framework and the marine framework Directives. This is mainly due to the diffuse pollution of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and pesticides. Around 38% of the EU’s surface water bodies are under pressure from diffuse pollution (of which, at 25%, agricultural production is a major source), from water abstraction for irrigation, and from hydro-morphological changes (e.g. due to drainage) 35 . Climate change will increase irrigation needs in the EU and reduce water availability.
Action 23: The Commission will:
·promote the more efficient and sustainable use of water, the increased use of renewable energy and clean transport, and the reduction of nutrient release, in all types of farming, with organic farming leading the way, and with the involvement of the Member States through their CAP Strategic Plans, as well as with the new Strategic Guidelines for aquaculture and EMFAF.
CONCLUSION
To achieve the ambitious target of 25% of agricultural area under organic farming and a significant increase in organic aquaculture by 2030 as outlined in the Farm to Fork and the biodiversity strategies, it is necessary to provide the organic sector with tools that will create the conditions that can trigger the change in EU agriculture and aquaculture towards the high quality standards that EU consumers value. Moreover, the organic farming target will contribute significantly to the achievement of other targets foreseen in the biodiversity strategy and the Farm to Fork strategy, such as the pesticide reduction target and the target on the reduction of the nutrients surplus, whilst contributing to steering the EU towards its Zero Pollution Ambition for a non-toxic environment.
The EU has a leading role to play in the promotion of changes in farming practices. Increased organic production is central to the transition to more sustainable agriculture and aquaculture sectors that provide fair incomes for farmers and contribute to vibrant European rural and coastal areas.
To monitor progress, the Commission will organise yearly public follow-up meetings with representatives of the European Parliament, Member States, the Union’s advisory bodies and stakeholders as appropriate. The Commission will also publish bi-annual progress reports – including a scoreboard - and present them at dedicated events, as well as a midterm review in 2024 of the action plan, to be presented at a high-level conference. To raise awareness on organic production, the Commission will also organise a yearly EU-wide ‘Organic Day’.
(1) The legislative proposal COM/2018/392 final - 2018/0216 (COD), the future common agricultural policy (CAP) also highlights the beneficial role of organic farming and offers support to it through different mechanisms.
(2) COM(2020) 380 final.
(3) COM(2020) 381 final.
(4) Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007.
(5) European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2020-0005_EN.html .
(6) Council’s conclusions on the Farm to Fork strategy: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/46419/st12099-en20.pdf .
(7) In this Eurobarometer special report, 56% of those surveyed said they were aware of the organics logo.
(8) Eurostat and HIS Markit
(9) https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/product/page/LFST_R_ERGAU__custom_443889 and https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/product/page/ILC_DI17__custom_416294
(10) The role of funding under the common agricultural policy (CAP) for women in agriculture : https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2015/536466/IPOL_STU(2015)536466_EN.pdf .
(11) COM(2020) 846 final.
(12) Commission staff working document on Regional Sea Basin Analyses – Regional challenges in achieving the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy – A Sea Basin perspective to guide EMFF Programming (SWD(2020) 206 final).
(13) More specifically, 30% of the next calls related to Intervention Area 3 “Agriculture, forestry and rural areas” of Cluster 6 of Horizon Europe
(14) Fibl- the World of organic agriculture 2020.
(15) Commission reflection paper ‘Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030’.
(16) Special EUROBAROMETER 504.
(17) In addition to those where Commission services are already present.
(18) COM (2019) 366 - EU green public procurement criteria for food, catering and vending machines.
(19) Best-ReMaP Project on diet and nutrition with a special focus on children: https://bestremap.eu/.
(20) The Information Management System for Official Controls regulation (IMSOC): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1715/OJ .
(21) The Control System for Organic Products Has Improved, but Some Challenges Remain”: https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR19_04/SR_organic-food_EN.pdf
(22) https://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/business/index_en.htm
(23) EUMOFA Organic Aquaculture report, May 2017.
(24) The final budget for eco-scheme (2023-2027) is still under discussion between the EP and the Council in the context of the CAP reform. The EP position foresees a budget allocation of 58.1 billion EUR and the Council position a budget of 38.7 billion EUR
(25) ‘Producer organisations’ can refer to any type of entity that has been formed on the initiative of producers in a specific sector (horizontal cooperation) to meet one or more of the specific aims listed in Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products - whether or not it is formally recognised under Article 152 and/or Article 161. They are controlled by producers and can take different legal forms, e.g. agricultural cooperatives, farmers’ associations, or private companies with producers as shareholders.
(26) A recent PO study concluded that ‘POs are also better placed than individual farmers to resist practices by business partners that are perceived as unfair towards farmers or that are not in line with contractual terms’: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/2c31a562-eef5-11e9-a32c-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.
(27) Stolze et al: ‘Organic in Europe, expanding beyond a niche’ in Organics in Europe, prospects and development 2016.
(28) FAO, ‘The experience of Bio-districts in Italy’: http://www.fao.org/agroecology/database/detail/en/c/1027958/ .
(29) For feed additives produced by GMM in contained use, the operator must demonstrate that the additive does not contain any trace of the producing microorganisms, in particular any trace of recombinant DNA.
(30) Following the completion of the modules on greenhouse gas emission and nutrient management of the Farm Sustainability Tool.
(31) The estimation of the carbon footprint should be in line with methods developed by the European Commission, and in particular the Product and Organisation Environmental Footprint (PEF/OEF) as defined in Commission Recommendation of 9 April 2013 (2013/179/EU).
(32) Organic heterogeneous material: plant reproductive material that does not belong to a variety, but rather belongs to a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon.
(33) COM(2018) 16 final - Communication ‘A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy’.
(34) As announced in the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy – COM(2018) 28 final - and the Circular Economy Action Plan – COM(2020) 98 final.
(35) SWD(2019) 439 final - Commission staff working document fitness check of the water framework directive.