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The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Petros Xenophontos, participated in the Informal Council of Ministers of Agriculture of the European Union organised by the Swedish Presidency between 11 and 13 June 2023 in Stockholm. The Informal Council discussed the contribution of EU agriculture and forestry to the green transition to make Europe a climate neutral continent by 2050.
During the discussion, Mr Xenophontos referred to the challenges for agriculture and forestry and the need for an integrated approach both in terms of individual policies and funding opportunities to achieve climate neutrality. He identified the main challenge for the current period as ensuring pro-environmental food production. To achieve the EU's objectives, it noted the need to strike a balance between social, economic and environmental sustainability in the context of meeting international commitments and addressing domestic and regional challenges.
To maximise the contribution of agriculture and forestry to the EU's objectives, it stressed the importance of broadening funding opportunities. At the same time, he stressed that strengthening the resilience of these sectors through the promotion of the bio-economy, the use of innovation and new technologies would help ensure the EU's long-term objectives.
He also noted the need to take into account the specificities of the Member States and said that the efforts and steps already taken for the green transition should be recognised. He stressed that providing flexibility to Member States can contribute efficiently to the development of tools to achieve climate neutrality. Finally, he said that the capacities of farmers and foresters and different views should be taken into account in order to involve them in the green transition effort.
As part of the programme of the Informal Meeting, ministers visited research centres and educational institutions. During the meetings they had the opportunity to learn about innovative applications that promote better management of the production chain, the reduction of air emissions as well as the sustainability of farms. They were also informed about new forest management practices including innovative firefighting solutions
(MΓ)
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