The CAP is not green enough

At a time when the greening objectives of the future common agricultural policy (CAP) are being fiercely negotiated, it has been singled out for its lack of impact on global warming in recent years.

According to a report by the European Court of Auditors, the massive subsidies from Brussels in agriculture have failed to reduce the sector's CO2 emissions.

Despite some 100 billion euros allocated to the fight against climate change (almost a quarter of the CAP budget) between 2014 and 2020, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, which represent 10% of the European total, did not decrease over the period.

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Half of these emissions come from breeding, especially cattle, whose herds have not decreased.

The report of the wise men of Luxembourg questions a policy that promotes breeding and meat consumption and recommends setting a reduction in figures per country.

In addition, emissions due to chemical fertilizers and effluents increased between 2010 and 2018, say listeners.

They believe that the impact on greenhouse gas emissions of

is not established.

The Court of Auditors pleads for more transparency on the annual emission reduction targets set by country, which the Brussels Commission refuses.

It also calls for the establishment of an incentive policy for farmers, based on the polluter pays principle.

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While the Green Deal decreed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aims to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and achieve climate neutrality by 2050,

underlines Viorel Stefan, author of the report. However, it points to a lack of ambition in the objectives of the new CAP.