b"EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTES TO ADOPT FARM TO FORKCONTROVERSIAL STRATEGY CHANGES FARM AND SEED INDUSTRY OPERATIONS.BY: SONJA BEGEMANNI n late October, an overwhelming majority of the EuropeanThe Commission welcomes the ambitions and goals Parliament voted in favour of adopting the Farm to Fork strat-egy. The move kicks off a domino-effect on farmers, agricul-tural companies and, ultimately, consumers. of the farm to fork strategy as an important step in This strategy for farmers and agriculturalist in the EU hasensuring a sustainable, fair, healthy animal friendly, admirable intentions but potentially devastating consequences.more regional, diversified and resilient food system, While the authors intend for the strategy to reduce the impactwhich is central to achieving the goals set out in of climate change, the reality is, it would likely increase foodthe European Green Deal and in the Sustainable insecurity, reduce farmer income and make countries in the EUDevelopment Goals [and] encourages the less competitive on a global scale. Commission to translate the strategy into concrete Heres a quick rundown of some of the ag-facing proposedlegislative and non-legislative action as soon as changes, specific to crops or vegetable production: possible, accompanied by the proper financialReduce pesticide use on crops, fruits and vegetables by 50%. support mechanisms for the transition.Cut nutrient losses on farmed ground by 50%, requiring farmers use 20% less fertilizer. Boost overall organic production to 25% of the total. Take 10% of currently farmed land out of production. Trade will decrease, putting more pressure on the most Because of global trade, the impact of Farm to Fork spansfood-insecure nations.beyond just the 27 Member States and would impact peopleWith EU-only adoption, food insecurity (less than 2,100 around the world. From trade barriers to the potential for greatercalories per day) will increase by 22 million people. Global hunger, its time to pay attention. adoption increases hunger by 185 million.While a publication did eventually get released in the EU, it POLICY STANDS ON SHAKY GROUND was late enough that much of the findings were not considered As the strategy inches toward implementation, global trade andin the Parliaments decision.food security concerns mount. The late publication of the Joint Research Centres report When we first saw this policy come about in May 2020,on the impact of EUs objectives has made it almost impossible to there was no economic assessment provided by the Europeanfully address its findings in the discussion and in the final text. Commission at the time, says Jayson Beckman, USDA EconomicsEuroseeds strongly supports the clear call from the Parliament to Research Service acting branch chief of the international tradeperform such comprehensive Impact Assessment Commission, and development branch. So, we did a deep dive to see how thisMember States and Parliament now have to discuss in earnest could impact global agricultural production and food security. how to implement the initiatives and targets as promised: in a Their findings on the impact of the decade-long plan areway that leaves no one behind, Euroseeds said in response to sobering: the vote by Parliament.Ag production, specifically in the EU, will decline from 7%As criticism for the strategy continues to come to light, (global adoption) to 12% (EU-only).many question why agricultural groups' views were not consid- Global adoption drops worldwide production 11%. ered before publishing the recommendation. From seed compa- Food supplies will tighten in the EU, resulting in pricenies to row crop farmers to vegetable and livestock producers, increases per capita. Prices will increase the most in thethere isnt a single facet of agriculture that wont be impacted EU and will also increase in other regions. by Farm to Fork.28IEUROPEAN SEEDIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM"