Facing environmental pollution, climate change, and shrinking natural resources, the European Union offers practical and effective solutions. Here’s an overview of good environmental practices and the methods by which EU farmers produce safe food while caring for our planet.
What are good environmental practices?
Good environmental practices include techniques and actions that EU farmers apply during food production, following the recommendations of the European Commission within the framework of the European Green Deal and the “Farm to Fork” strategy. These practices aim to:
• Combat climate change;
• Protect valuable natural resources;
• Enhance biodiversity in agricultural areas.1
How do EU farmers care for the environment?
The European Union regulates the use of pesticides, promoting effective non-chemical plant protection methods. Fertilizers and nutrients are applied according to strict regulations, including the Nitrate Directive and GAEC standards, and are only allowed in exceptional cases.
Efforts to protect the environment aim to ensure that food production in the EU does not contribute to worsening climate changes. Farmers receive technical and financial support to invest in facilities and technologies that reduce ammonia emissions and absorb carbon dioxide.
How does the EU protect natural resources?
Natural resources are crucial for the future of our planet. EU farmers treat these resources with the utmost respect, applying good environmental practices at every step of production:
• They protect and improve soil fertility through crop diversification, planting permanent greenery, and creating biodiversity support areas such as fallows and cover crops.
• They conserve water by using efficient irrigation systems and managing groundwater and rainwater sustainably.
• They prevent air pollution by applying nitrogen fertilizers directly to the soil and using installations that limit the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere.2
By choosing food from the EU, you support our planet
The European Union places great importance on ensuring that food production is environmentally safe. By opting for EU animal or plant products, you choose safe and tasty food that is produced with respect for our planet.
1 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/environmental-sustainability/cap-and-environment_en
2 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/environmental-sustainability/
