In the wake of Europe-wide farm protests and shifting political priorities, the future of the European Green Deal in agriculture and food is at a crossroads. As the 2024-2029 political cycle begins, the focus has pivoted from ambitious environmental targets to pressing concerns about food security, competitiveness, and farm incomes. This shift raises critical questions about how the Green Deal’s sustainability goals will be pursued in the coming years.
Alan Matthews, lead author of a recent article published in ‘New Medit’ (translated to English as “New Mediterranean”), argues that while the Green Deal objectives have not been abandoned, their implementation will likely emphasize “just transition” principles over the “polluter pays” approach. This change in strategy acknowledges the need for a more equitable transition to sustainable farming practices, particularly for smaller farms that may struggle with the financial burden of environmental regulations.
The political climate has undeniably changed since the Green Deal was first introduced in 2019. “The previous cycle was marked by a wave of activism around climate change and environmental challenges,” Matthews explains. “Now, the focus is on ensuring food security and supporting farm incomes, which has led to widespread protests across Europe.” This shift in priorities presents a significant challenge for policymakers who must balance environmental sustainability with the economic realities faced by farmers.
One of the key challenges highlighted in Matthews’ research is the need for additional financing to support the transition to more sustainable farming practices. Public resources are limited, and securing additional funding through the food supply chain is not straightforward. Matthews suggests that the solution may lie in recognizing the heterogeneity of the farming sector. “We need to apply the polluter pays principle to large industrial farms that provide most of our food while implementing the just transition principle for the majority of smaller farms,” he proposes. This differentiated approach could help ensure that the burden of transition is shared more equitably across the sector.
The commercial impacts of this shift in strategy are significant. For the energy sector, which plays a crucial role in providing the infrastructure and technologies needed for sustainable farming, the focus on just transition principles could open up new opportunities. Investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices could be directed towards smaller farms, creating a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector.
Moreover, the emphasis on food security and competitiveness could drive innovation in the energy sector. As farmers seek to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining productivity, there will be a growing demand for energy solutions that are both sustainable and cost-effective. This could spur the development of new technologies and business models that cater to the diverse needs of the farming sector.
In conclusion, the prospects for the European Green Deal in agriculture and food are shaped by a complex interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors. As Matthews’ research suggests, the coming years will likely see a greater emphasis on just transition principles, with a differentiated approach to supporting large and small farms. For the energy sector, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities, as it adapts to the evolving needs of the agricultural landscape. The article, published in ‘New Medit’, offers a nuanced perspective on how these changes might unfold and their potential implications for the future of sustainable farming in Europe.