Commissioner: Climate change to impact negatively on EU farming

FARMING not only contributes to climate change but will also be very seriously affected by it, according to European Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel.

She said the picture for Europe is complex, and varies from region to region. But overall it is dark, especially in the long-term.

“Extra heat waves, droughts, storms, floods and pests will all make life difficult for our farmers. So will the added unpredictability.

“And of course, the impact of climate change on agriculture may well be much more severe in some parts of the world other than Europe,” she said.

Ms Fischer Boel said the Common Agricultural Policy has already evolved to better reconcile food and environmental security.

More money is coming on-stream explicitly to support the response to climate change, along with certain other challenges.

“So in terms of policy – in agriculture and other areas – we’ve jumped some important hurdles.

“But food security and climate change are global challenges that need global solutions,” she said.

Ms Fischer Boel said the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen in December will be a key test. The issues are complex, and results are needed in a number of areas.

The EU has taken a strong lead by agreeing to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% – or by 30% in the context of a new international deal.

“When we agree in Copenhagen to stabilise and cut greenhouse gas emissions, this will be excellent news for the future of farming, which is under such serious threat from climate change.

“On the other hand, the farm sector will have to contribute to those efforts at stabilisation and reduction,” she said

* The following blight warning has been issued by Met Éireann: Weather conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur at times over the rest of this week.