European farmers are turning up the heat on the EU's new anti-deforestation law, set to kick in at the end of the year. Led by Austria, a group of EU countries is calling for urgent changes, arguing that the law could hit their agriculture sector hard. 🌾🌍
The law aims to stop deforestation by ensuring products like beef and soy sold in Europe aren't linked to forest destruction, from the Amazon to Southeast Asia. Sounds good, right? But here's the catch: the rules apply not just to products from abroad but also to European farmers. That means if crops are grown on deforested land, they can't be sold. 🚫🌳
\"The goal of tackling deforestation abroad shouldn't hurt European farmers and foresters,\" said the document signed by Austria, Finland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. They're worried that the law could put local producers at a disadvantage. 🤔
In recent weeks, EU leaders have been scaling back some environmental policies after months of protests by farmers who feel the green rules are too much. 🧑🌾✊
The agriculture ministers from these countries are set to discuss the issue in Brussels. They propose that producers in \"low-risk\" countries (likely including many EU nations) should get a break from some of the strict requirements. They also want the process of proving products are deforestation-free to be made easier within the EU. 📝✨
Another point they raise is about organic farming. Switching from conventional to organic methods might mean farmers need more land. But with the new law, expanding into forest areas is a no-go, which could discourage greener practices. 🌱🚫
Plus, they say the EU's system for tracking compliance isn't ready to roll out when the law goes live on December 30. ⏳⚙️
The debate highlights the tricky balance between protecting our planet and supporting those who feed us. Stay tuned as this story unfolds—it's one that could shape the future of farming and forests alike. 🌍🌿
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
