New measures sustainable use of plants and soils

On July 5, 2023, the European Commission approved a set of measures for sustainable use of natural resources and strengthening food systems and agriculture in the EU. The measures, part of the European Green Deal, will put the EU on the path to a greener and more sustainable future.

The measures include a soil monitoring law, which will collect soil health data and make it available to farmers and soil managers. Sustainable soil management will become the norm and soil contamination will be addressed. Innovation and sustainability will also be pursued through the use of new genomic techniques for climate-resilient crops and reduction of chemical pesticides. In addition, more sustainable and diverse seed and propagating material is being pursued. There is also a focus on reducing food and textile waste, which will lead to more efficient use of resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

These measures will bring long-term economic, social, health and environmental benefits. In particular, they support people who depend on the land and nature. The result will be prosperous rural areas, food security and a resilient bioeconomy. They contribute to innovation, biodiversity conservation and climate change preparedness.

In addition, an EU law is proposed to increase the value of soils and achieve healthy soils in the EU by 2050. Soil data will support innovation, help farmers apply appropriate treatments and improve disaster management. The measures do not impose direct obligations on landowners.

These measures are an important step towards a greener future for Europe and promote prosperity, food security and a resilient bioeconomy.

Ec.europa.eu

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