Matej Gostiša’s Post

Whether it is governments through regulation, or the food and fibre supply chain setting science-based targets, the agriculture sector is under pressure as critical climate change mitigation milestones approach. We read with interest this past week that Denmark may become the first country to tax agricultural emissions, as it aims to reduce emissions by 70% across all sectors by 2030. With agriculture being a major source of emissions in Denmark, a tax of 120 kroner (NZD$28) per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock is set to be introduced. On average, each Danish cow emits about 5.6 tonnes CO₂e annually, which will now cost around NZD$150-160 per year per cow. This tax is expected to reduce the country’s CO₂e emissions by approximately 1.8 million tonnes by 2030. The revenue from these taxes will be dedicated to protecting nature, restoring ecosystems, and creating forests and wetlands through a “Green Area Fund.” Additionally, the Danish government is providing €5.3 billion (NZD$9.3 billion) to reforest 250,000 hectares of agricultural land by 2045 and set aside 140,000 hectares of lowland by 2030. Some funds will also go towards buying back certain farms to reduce nitrogen emissions. We remain interested to see how other countries will address food and fibre emissions. Will they opt for regulation or rely on market solutions? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. https://lnkd.in/earcKFn8

🆘 Did you know that 80% of the EU farming budget goes to only 20% of farms? Clearly, Europe isn’t treating all its farmers equally. And this is wrong, for so many reasons: 💰 Small farms, vital for sustainability, get less support and are often forced to close. From 2005 to 2020, the number of EU farms dropped by 37%. 📈 Farmers face rising production costs. In 2022, agricultural input prices rose by 10%, squeezing small-scale farmers further. 🛒 Inflation drives consumers to cheaper, industrial brands, hitting small-and-medium-scale farmers’ incomes. 🍒 The cherry on the cake: the EU's recent adoption of a revision to weaken the (already weak) #CAP environmental conditions that farmers have to fulfill to receive subsidies. Big agri polluters have a rosy future ahead of them... 🔄 But the EU can still fix it during its next mandate. How? Read our article 👉 https://bit.ly/3UYeuTI 🗳️ PS: On June 6-9, #UseYourVote! Join our “Feed the Change” campaign to help build a food system that benefits everyone! 👉 https://bit.ly/3UcjJO4 #SustainableFarming #FairFood #EUFarmers #FeedTheChange #SupportLocalFarmers #EUElections #EUElections2024

Denmark's proposed tax on agricultural emissions is a global first and a big step in the right direction 👏 but it's no silver bullet ⚠️ Writing in Social Europe, our own Mathieu Mal explains the positives and pitfalls of Denmark’s plans, the potential of emissions-pricing systems, and why this is no time for complacency https://lnkd.in/esX-qn_S #RestoreNature #ClimateCrisis #Agriculture #EmissionsTax #EmissionPricingSystem #Denmark #SocialEurope #OpinionPiece

Scottish farmers win battle over food subsidies Scotland's farmers will continue receiving most of their existing subsidies for growing food, the first minister has announced. Humza Yousaf told NFU Scotland's spring conference in Glasgow that 70% of future support will be direct payments. Green groups argue that the majority of the subsidies should be for tackling climate change and nature loss. The farmers' union said that would lead some businesses to financial ruin and to agricultural land being abandoned. Agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change, responsible for 19% of Scotland's planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental organisations have been lobbying for farm subsidies - worth £620m a year - to be used as a tool to cut those emissions. In a long-awaited announcement at the conference, it was confirmed by First Minister Humza Yousaf that most subsidies will be earmarked for direct payments to help farmers produce food. The remaining 30% of the cash will be for targeted measures like creating wetlands or restoring peatlands. https://lnkd.in/eTT-vsGf

The Labour Government's recent supermajority brings the promise of transformative change for the UK. But what does this mean for our agriculture sector? Freya Thomson's insightful article, "Labour’s New Agriculture Policies," delves into Labour’s vision for economic growth and environmental protection, and how these priorities may shape the future of farming. Explore the key proposals: - Local Sourcing: 50% of public sector food from local sources, potentially injecting £1.2 billion into local farming. - EU Veterinary Agreement: Aiming to reduce trade friction and boost agri-food exports by 22.5%. - Environmental Investment: Balancing green commitments with the need for sustainable farming practices. Gain a clearer understanding of the potential impact on farmers, food security, and the rural landscape. 📈🌿 👉 Read the full article below and join the conversation on shaping the future of UK agriculture! #Agriculture #LabourPolicies #EconomicGrowth #SustainableFarming #FoodSecurity

Is UK agriculture facing a downward spiral if it does not embrace a high-tech, land-sparing approach? "Mixed farmer Paul Temple warns that Defra’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) policies will not only affect UK food production, and increase our reliance on imports, they will also impact the infrastructure of the entire farming industry, for example in terms of its contribution to the rural economy, opportunities for the next generation, and its attractiveness for those investing in and bringing forward innovation. When the scientific evidence increasingly indicates that the best way to produce enough food, enhance biodiversity and tackle climate change is through high-yield, high-tech farming on as small an area as possible, the Government’s current policies risk irrevocably dismantling the fabric behind a productive farming industry, in favour of unproven and unmeasured environmental objectives. Defra’s own research has identified a high risk of displacement of food production as a result of yield-reducing ELM options, with unknown effects on either domestic food security or the environment. It’s time Ministers took heed and changed course, he argues."

Interesting to see that, in reality, eNGOs are increasingly interested in these wider issues. There is a cliché out there that they aren't concerned with these more socio-economic fairness considerations - obviously, they are.

Happy #EarthDay! Did you know that for farmers, ranchers, and foresters, every day is Earth Day? According to a recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. agriculture represents just under 10% of total U.S. emissions when compared to other economic sectors. The good news is that agricultural emissions dropped 1.8% in 2022, which is the largest decrease of any economic sector and marks the lowest U.S. agricultural greenhouse gas emissions since 2012. This highlights the success and importance of voluntary, market, and incentive-based conservation practices that help farmers and ranchers access finances for the research and technology needed to take even better care of our natural resources. Farmers and ranchers are committed to growing the food and fiber America’s families rely on while improving the land, air, and water, which benefits both the farm and the climate. Let us continue to support and invest in sustainable agriculture practices for a better future. The latest numbers should serve as inspiration to lawmakers who can build on this progress by passing a farm bill, which not only provides a safety net for farmers but also helps invest in sustainable agriculture practices for a better future. #EarthDay #SupportAgriculture #FarmersAreTheUltimateLandStewards #AgricultureConservation #LandStewardship #FoodSecurityIsNationalSecurity

The US agricultural industry has seen a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions, falling by 1.8% between 2021 and 2022. According to a new study by the US Environmental Protection Agency, this drop is the most significant decline of any economic sector. The success can be attributed to voluntary, market- and incentive-based conservation practices that help farmers and ranchers access finances for research and technology needed to take better care of natural resources. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that this marks the lowest US agricultural greenhouse gas emissions since 2012. #agriculture #greenhousegasemissions #conservationpractices

🌾 NCC Leads Over 300 Groups in Urging Congress to Pass a Strong Farm Bill 🚜 With growing economic pressure on farmers across the U.S., the National Cotton Council (NCC) has rallied over 300 national and state groups to urge Congress to pass the farm bill before the year ends. Key points from the letter to congressional leaders include: 1️⃣Strengthening the safety net – Many farmers face multiple unprofitable years, threatening their financial stability and access to operating credit. 2️⃣Addressing farm challenges – Issues like high input costs, extreme weather, and global trade disruptions have exposed gaps in the current farm bill, highlighting the need for stronger support. 3️⃣Supporting rural communities – A durable farm safety net, enhanced risk management tools, and improved conservation programs are essential to protect America's farm families from future crises. 4️⃣The farm bill reauthorization presents a pivotal opportunity to address these urgent needs. 🔗 For more information: https://ow.ly/BYMM50TBe5Z 💬 How do you think Congress should tackle these agricultural challenges? Share your thoughts! #FarmBill #Agriculture #RuralAmerica #Farmers #Policy #CottonIndustry