Climate change & environment
Promoting innovation in European agriculture and sustainable farming
Proposals by young citizens
Find a selection of the proposals made by young Europeans
Arthur, 18We need to rethink the Common Agricultural Policy so that farmers can make a living from what they produce, not from subsidies.
82% approval- Marcin
Small and medium-sized famrs should be supported, making agricultural products more environmentally friendly.
79% approval - Matthew
There is a need to produce bio pesticides and bio fertilisers and to make more use of natural elements, living organisms, in crop production, and animal husbandry
82% approval - Emilia, 20
The budget for research and implementation of environmental and agricultural innovations should be increased
74% approval - Anne Marie
Soils need to be regenerated using innovative methods such as cover cropping, without the use of chemicals.
75% approval - Luis
It is necessary to prohibit the entry of agricultural products that do not meet the phytosanitary requirements for European products.
81% approval
Agricultural practices are currently performed with the use of unsustainable methods, promoted by its regulatory framework.
In light of that, it is necessary to take measures to address the need for a sustainable agriculture by reallocating Common Agricultural Policy funding away from environmentally damaging practices, funding organic farming practices, reducing the use of antibiotics in farming, or creating mechanisms to assess the environmental impact of agricultural practices.
Find the extended version here
Responsesby European political parties
All European political parties that are represented with ten or more members in the European Parliament (in February 2024) were invited to provide their responses.
ALDE Party fights for a sustainable agriculture system ensuring food production and biodiversity protection. Reform CAP to reduce bureaucracy, support sustainable practices and promote innovation, and investment in technology for efficient resource management; climate change mitigation. The transition to sustainable agriculture is crucial for well-being, providing long-term perspective to make agriculture resilient while preserving natural resources and fostering economic growth. More about this party, their programme & national members
EFA calls for the reform of the CAP to make it more sustainable and to reward the efforts of small-scale farmers. We support further investments in R&D to develop climate-resilient agriculture systems. When it comes to Free Trade Agreements, we want to make sure European producers can never be undercut by unfair cheap imports. All FTAs must require the same environmental standards as are required of European farmers. More about this party, their programme & national members
European agriculture and fishing must be green and sustainable. We need more funds for small/medium-sized farms. Those meeting environmental/biodiversity criteria should receive rewards. We want to support farmers’ income and protect them against price speculation. We act for reduced use of pesticides and plastic/chemical pollution, like PFAS, and for affordable organic food. Water efficiency is key. The CAP must contribute to climate transition, and we must secure long-term EU food production. More about this party, their programme & national members
The European Greens call for an urgent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): a fundamental shift away from subsidies for industrial agriculture based on pesticides, monocultures, and animal suffering and towards massive investment into organic farming and agroecological production. The EU must promote a new agricultural model that reduces emissions and supports small- and medium-sized farms, protect the environment; and foster social justice. More about this party, their programme & national members
We defend the circular and proximity economy, small and medium-sized agriculture. Farmers must be protected from multinationals. The defence of technologically innovative and ecological agriculture is necessary for the future. That is why we are against the use of transgenic or chemical materials that do not respect the environment. More about this party, their programme & national members
We advocate for sustainable agriculture, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring high-quality food. Food sovereignty reduces dependency and promotes local, eco-friendly production. We aim for an efficient model to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss while supporting farmers, consumers, and rural communities. This requires significant public and private investments in innovation, digitization, education, and training. More about this party, their programme & national members
This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members
This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members
This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members
The answers by political actors are automatically translated and may contain mistakes.You can find the original, English version here.
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About EurHope
EurHope has the goal to activate young Europeans ahead of the European elections. At the core stands the Agenda of Hope, which was established on the basis of a participatory engagement campaign in 2023.
EurHope is co-lead by JEF Europe & Make.org and supported by more than 50 organisations from all over Europe (including European institutions).
