Document ModVvL3D0dVNre1MMXVbLaNma

- Ref. Ares(2021)7797546 - 16/12/2021 Participants: COM: Commissioner Sinkevicius, Agne RAZMISLAVICIUTE-PALIONIENE (CABSINKEVICIUS)_ ___________________ Issues discussed: IFOAM EU, the European branch of the International Organic Farming Organisation, asked a meeting with the Commissioner to discuss how organic farming would be considered in the future Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies. IFOAM was aiming for a target of20% organic land in EU by 2030 to be included in the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork Strategies. According to !FOAM EU, organic farming should be at the core of this ambition as it delivers benefits for the environment and farmers. They indicated that targets for organic land and consumption, combined with a new organic action plan, would ensure that Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans contribute to a balanced growth of organic production and demand, and develop the whole organic supply chain. !FOAM EU called also for 70% of the CAP budget to be earmarked for action on the climate, environment and animal welfare. The Commissioner mentioned that agriculture covers some 40% of the land in the EU and agro-ecosystems are key in reverting the trend of biodiversity loss, therefore both strategies will include measures involving agriculture, as farmers are key players in the management of natural resources and in the sustainability challenge. He indicated that organic farming is a driver of sustainability over the long term, as it can help to deliver on the sustainability of food system, whilst contributing to the objectives of the Biodiversity Strategy, as it sustains the health of soils and ecosystems and limits the use of pesticides with adverse effects on pollinators. Finally he explained that there are on-going internal discussions as regards the possible targets on agriculture ecosystems to be included in the key actions of the Green Deal, including commitments to promote organic farming and also to reduce the risk and use of pesticides.