The role of agriculture in addressing climate change
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis, participated in the Informal Agriculture Council of the European Union (EU), organised by the French Presidency in Strasbourg, on 6-8 February 2022, where the main topic of discussion was the implementation of climate-friendly agricultural and forestry practices. He welcomed the EU's efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of climate neutrality by 2050, noting that the agricultural sector has an important role to play in this effort. Costas 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, as well as by planting trees on agricultural land, especially in mountainous areas where there is more erosion. Carbon sequestration practices such as these, the Minister explained, provide other multidimensional benefits such as enhancing biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, increasing water retention as well as soil productivity.
To reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the economy's dependence on fossil carbon, Mr Kadis proposed the use of agro-photovoltaic systems and the replacement of internal combustion engines, where possible, with electric motors. At the same time, he stressed the importance of expanding organic farming and generally adopting practices that reduce inputs of pesticides and fertilizers. He noted that the treatment of livestock waste and the use of compost from agricultural activities can also contribute to the objective pursued. In this context, he pointed out that such actions will be supported by the Cyprus Government through the Rural Development Programme, while he 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.
This 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 to 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 meeting, the ministers also had the opportunity to visit on-site agricultural facilities where greenhouse gas emission reduction practices are being implemented and to discuss with farmers, as well as to learn about innovative practices currently being tested.
(MAK)
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