European Commission proposes a temporary short-term derogation to increase cereals production

BRUSSELS, 23rd July, 2022 (WAM) — Following a request from EU Member States, the European Commission is proposing a temporary short-term derogation from rules on crop rotation and
maintenance of non-productive features on arable land.

The impact of such measure will depend on the choice made by Member States and farmers, but it will maximise the EU’s production capacity for cereals aimed for food products. It is estimated to put back 1.5 million hectares in production compared to today. Every tonne of cereals produced in the EU will help to increase food security worldwide.

The Commission proposal will be sent to EU Member States before it is formally adopted.

The global food system faces strong risks and uncertainties stemming in particular from the developments in Ukraine where in the near future also issues of food security may arise.

The Commission proposal is a result of a careful balancing between global food availability and affordability on the one hand, and protection of biodiversity and soil quality on the other hand. The Commission remains fully committed to the Green Deal. The proposal foresees that Member States making use of the derogations shall promote ecoschemes and agri-environmental measures programmed in their CAP Strategic Plans. The long-term sustainability of our food system is fundamental for food security.

Even though we are in an extraordinary situation with regard to food security, we need to continue the transition to a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in line with the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies, and the Nature Restoration Law.