Six steps to sustainable farming

Our Greens/EFA vision on agriculture

A society that offers affordable and healthy food for all families, where farmers make a good living, working with nature and not against it. That is our Greens/EFA vision on agriculture.

But today we are far removed from that vision. Farmers have a hard time providing for their families, under pressure from big agrifood business and multinational companies, with political forces falsely claiming that it is nature and climate protection to blame and not the business model that is squeezing out our farmers.

Various regions in Europe show that another farming model is possible: Organic and agroecological farming methods, successful direct marketing, prospering rural areas, “smart” innovations, and cultural techniques driven by farmers and universities can be found throughout Europe.

The European Union has a task - with its vast budget available for agriculture - to spend it wisely and to actively support agriculture that works with and for people, nature and the climate.

Flourishing, diverse landscapes with a variety of crops alternating with natural areas and farmers highly valued by society, with stable incomes and manageable workloads: Those are the central pillars in our green vision for rural areas.

1. Cap the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy)

Right now, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) isn’t working for small and medium-sized farmers. We can fix this by providing basic income support based on the number of jobs on a farm, instead of the number of hectares owned.

Payments for public services, such as climate and nature protection, water and soil improvements or landscape services, would still be rewarded by hectare.

However, we would limit these hectare payments to € 60,000 per farm and redistribute the remaining CAP support to new farmers, young farmers, rural development and to fund the transition to a climate, nature and animal friendly agriculture.

2. Clear labelling for consumers, fair markets for farmers

Consumers deserve clear, reliable labels that show the environmental impact, regional origin and animal welfare standards of products. This allows them to make informed choices and ensures farmers receive fair prices.

Farmers have the right to a fair income, a healthy work-life balance and peace of mind. We need to create more opportunities for farmers to diversify their income streams, including by direct and regional marketing. Secure contracts, legal guarantees and stable demand by public procurement would all strengthen farmers' negotiation position against big retailers and processors, guaranteeing a regular income farmers can rely on.

3. Organic gold standard and ambitious agroecology!

We want to turbo charge the transition to organic! The EU must meet its target to turn 25% of farmland to organic farming by 2030.

Organic farms and other environmentally friendly farms are crucial for the health of farmers, rural communities, and future generations. They also help tackle climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve air, water, and soil quality.

Every farm that commits to working more closely with nature (e.g. with biocontrol) counts. Organic farms should receive preferential financial support and independent guidance.

4. Farming that protects our soil and water

Soil and water are the fundamentals of food and farming. By planting climate-adapted crops, hedges, trees, and practicing agroforestry, we can reduce the need for irrigation and increase the soil’s ability to retain water.

Techniques like cover crops, catch crops, diverse rotations with legumes, are reducing synthetic chemicals and will improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce the risk of floods and droughts.

5. Promote plant-based proteins

Reducing our reliance on imported soy and other protein sources strengthens our own agricultural system, preventing deforestation and improving soil health. It also decreases our dependency on autocratic regimes who profit from our imports.

Consumers should have access to regional, healthy and affordable sources of protein. We should boost protein diversification by giving equal support and promotion to plant-based and alternative protein sources alongside sustainable livestock systems.

6. Deliver on animal welfare

Farm animals should be raised without cruel practices such as caging. Slaughter should be done with respect, and transport conditions must improve.

The CAP should provide a dedicated budget to support better animal welfare standards. This includes rebuilding slaughterhouses in rural areas to allow for shorter transport times and supporting local meat processing.

This will have the added benefit of creating new jobs and boosting local economies.