This website no longer supports Internet Explorer 11. Please use a more up-to-date browser such as Firefox, Chrome for better viewing and usability.
Organic WorldHome / NewsNews

IFOAM EU Group: Key demands for a sustainable CAP 2014-2020 presented to the public

Agriculture must use fewer inputs and consider climate and biodiversity say experts on the 2nd European Organic Congress in a press release of the IFOAM EU Group. The group presented the new document 'Key demands for a sustainable CAP 2014-2020.'

Unsustainable agricultural practices degrade ecosystems which are crucial for human survival. At the 2nd European Organic Congress of the IFOAM EU Group experts and policy makers outline the necessary changes required throughout the food chain and present policies that must be implemented to allow us to face the challenges climate change, biodiversity loss and food security.

"In order to align food production to face future challenges, truly sustainable food systems are urgently needed. If we are to see real progress in Europe, the future CAP must mainstream strategies to face the future challenges within a sustainable, socially just and ethical food and farming system. Organic farming offers a comprehensive model. The IFOAM EU Group stresses the need for a reform in our Key demands for a sustainable CAP 2014-2020 that are launched today", states Christopher Stopes, President of the IFOAM EU Group, in his opening speech.

"Farming must play its part in climate change mitigation and adaption. But we should not forget about other aspects of sustainability if combating climate change. Organic farming is a solution multiplier. It emits less carbon as is uses fewer inputs and sequesters higher carbon in soils, while delivering better results in biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and soil conservation. Therefore organic practices have to be considered by decision makers in their climate mitigation strategies", declares Thomas Dosch, Deputy President of the IFOAM EU Group, who will represent the IFOAM EU Group at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen.

Urs Niggli, Director of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, underlined the importance of research: "It is worthwhile to consider the organic concepts of eco-functional intensification and rural empowerment in order to improve global food security. Despite the fact that organic research can count by now only on one percent of the amount of the research budget that is spent for conventional farming, organic farming performs already well in yields and sustainability. Further investments in research and training in organic practices are crucial to mainstream sustainable organic systems."

Source: Press release of the IFOAM EU Group of December 1, 2009: High Time to Align Agricultural Practices to Face Future Challenges 

More information

Documents

Links

Do you want to add the website to the Home screen?
tap and then scroll down to the Add to Home Screen command.