6_Organic farming in EU_EI05+AV01_Saida HIDARA_Samy SEGHIER.mp4

Introduction:

"Did you know France has the largest organic farming area in the EU?

With 2.8 million hectares dedicated to organic agriculture as of 2021, France leads the EU in this respect.

Welcome to our exploration of organic farming in France and the EU, a journey through sustainable practices that respect our environment and animal welfare. Today, we'll delve into the progress, policies, and the challenges faced in this vital sector. Let's begin with France's role in this green revolution
 

 Current State of Organic Farming in France:
 

"France is at the forefront of organic farming, boasting over 58,000 organic farms. , which is 13.41% of all farms in the country. The area of organic farmland has also increased by 9% since 2020.With 2.8 million hectares dedicated to organic agriculture as of 2021, France leads the EU in this respect. These numbers show that France is committed to farming in a way that respects the environment. Now, let's broaden our scope and see how this compares to the rest of the European Union."
 

Comparison with EU Countries:
 

 "Expanding our view across the EU, we find a similar trend of progress. The union's farmland dedicated to organic practices reached approximately 16 million hectares in 2021,making up 9.9% of its total agricultural land. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany are making comparable strides, with Austria and Estonia leading in terms of organic farming percentages. This sets the stage for understanding the role of EU policies, which we will delve into next.”

  EU's Common Agricultural Policy and Farm to Fork Strategy:

 The European Union has set some serious goals with something called the Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP for short. It's like a big plan to help farmers and make sure our food is grown in a way that's good for us and the planet. There's also the Farm to Fork strategy, which is part of the European Green Deal. It's all about making sure that by 2030, half the pesticides are cut out, fertilizer use goes down by 20%, and 25% of all farmland is organic. France is playing a big role in reaching these targets, and with these strategies, the EU is aiming to lead the way in sustainable farming.

However, implementing these ambitious plans presents challenges, such as balancing farmers’ livelihoods with environmental protection. It's important to look at these challenges to fully understand how the EU is working towards a sustainable future in agriculture.

 Challenges in Policy and Implementation:

 
Understanding the challenges in organic farming is essential. Transitioning to organic methods involves economic pressures, social adaptation, and environmental considerations. Farmers must learn new practices and communities need to appreciate organic produce's benefits. Additionally, organic farming must align with local ecosystems, and farmers require access to appropriate technology. Macron's 2022 agricultural program underscores the need for support systems to assist farmers in this shift while preserving their independence. Acknowledging these complexities is vital for devising effective solutions.

Solutions to Challenges:

To advance organic farming, three key solutions are essential:

• 1. Policy Support: Aligning regulations and financial aid with organic goals is crucial. Enhancing assistance and simplifying organic certification processes incentivizes farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
• 2. Farmer Education: Empowering farmers with knowledge about sustainable practices and eco-friendly technology is vital for their success in organic farming.
• 3. Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the benefits of organic produce for health and the environment increases market support. Promoting awareness and local purchasing can bolster demand for organic products.

These strategies, focusing on policy, education, and market demand, are crucial for developing a strong organic farming sector in the EU.

 Stakeholders in EU Organic Farming Policy:

"The EU organic farming sector is shaped by various stakeholders: consumers drive demand by choosing organic products, farmers make critical decisions about land use and crops, while policymakers and advocacy groups influence supportive laws and subsidies. Understanding the roles and goals of these stakeholders provides a complete view of this rich, diverse industry, essential for comprehending decision-making processes that shape the future of agriculture"
 

 Decision-Making in the EU:
 

EU farming rules, particularly for organic farming, start with the European Commission drafting policies under the Farm to Fork Strategy for sustainable food production. These rules align with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support implementation.

The European Parliament and Council, consisting of representatives elected by the public and appointed government members, then examine these drafts, ensuring they are beneficial for everyone from farmers to consumers.

After consensus, member states are responsible for applying these rules, considering their unique agricultural needs. This process transforms EU objectives, like increasing organic farming and reducing chemicals, into practical measures.

Future Prospects:

 

In the future, the EU is expected to enhance its organic farming policies, influenced by technological advancements, shifting market trends, and consumer demands. Greater emphasis on global cooperation, education, and research will be crucial. Active participation from civil society will also shape the direction of organic farming. Overall, the EU's organic farming is set for growth and sustainability, rooted in strong environmental and social commitments.

Mots clés : #eugreendeal #farmtofork #franceorganic #organicfarming #sustainableagriculture