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The role of agriculture in tackling climate change climate change was discussed by the relevant EU ministers at the informal Agriculture Council held in Strasbourg on 6-8 February under the French Presidency, in which the Minister of Agriculture, Costas Kadis, participated on behalf of Cyprus.
The main topic of discussion was the implementation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry practices.
According to a statement, Mr Kadis informed his counterparts that in Cyprus the improvement of carbon sequestration from agriculture, although limited due to climatic conditions, is achieved by increasing plant mass and planting trees on agricultural land, especially in mountainous areas where there is more erosion.
As the Minister explained, such practices of increasing carbon sequestration provide other multidimensional benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, increasing water retention as well as soil productivity.
Regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases and less dependence of the economy on fossil carbon, Mr. Kadis proposed the use of agro-photovoltaic systems and the replacement of internal combustion engines, where possible, with electric motors.
He also stressed the importance of expanding organic farming and, in general, the adoption of practices that reduce inputs of pesticides and fertilizers. He said that the treatment of livestock waste and the use of compost from agricultural activities can also contribute to the objective pursued.
Such actions, he pointed out, will be supported by the Cypriot Government through the Rural Development Programme. He also informed his counterparts that Cyprus is currently exploring the adoption of certification mechanisms for the reduction of greenhouse gas use or sequestration.
The European Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development referred to the importance of supporting farmers in this effort, but also to the creation of certification mechanisms for the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are commonly accepted within the EU but also simple and understandable for farmers and national administrations.
The debate was attended by representatives of farmers' organisations (COPA, COGEGA, CEJA) and representatives of the European Environment Agency. There was also a presentation of the research work underway in the EU in relation to carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector.
The representative of the European Parliament, MEP Norbert Lins, expressed the support of the European Parliament for this initiative of the French Presidency. For his part, Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski also supported the French Presidency's initiative, stating that developing agriculture in a way that contributes to tackling climate change is a common goal.
As part of the programme of the informal session, the ministers visited on-site agricultural facilities where greenhouse gas emission reduction practices are being implemented and discussed with farmers, and were informed about innovative practices currently being tested.
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