While lasting controversy surrounds the union’s agricultural policy, the European Commission initiated a multi-stakeholder dialogue to “create new solutions and to cultivate a common vision for the future of agriculture”.
The Commission invited EuChemS to a focused consultation to provide science- and chemical policy perspectives. Specifically, it sought advice on how to tackle agri-policy challenges related to sustainability and the planetary boundaries, as well as on how opportunities offered by knowledge and technological innovation can be utilised in agriculture.
In its response, EuChemS emphasized the value of supporting research and development, as well as using interoperable scientific frameworks. In addition, EuChemS highlighted the importance of facilitating dialogue between academia, policy actors and farmers – and exemplified this by referring to the Periodic Table workshop series. EuChemS called for paying continuous attention to scientific developments, and consider incentivising alternative methods, such as crop rotation, biopesticides, etc. In addition, the recommendations highlighted not only research valorisation (turning innovation brought about by research into practical solutions) and financial subsidies, but also spreading awareness about, and education on sustainable methods. Last but not least, EuChemS called for high sustainability standards in bilateral partnerships, and recommended that EU, as a technological leader, promotes innovation and sustainability in international agriculture agreements.
The entire recommendation letter can be read here.
In addition to science-policy advice on agri-food, EuChemS also contributed to a consultation on the development of the Horizon Europe ‘main’ work programme 2025 by the European Commission. EuChemS provided feedback specific to Zero Pollution, Research Infrastructures, health and raw materials, chemicals and innovative materials, highlighting the importance of tackling PFAS while approaching the topic scientifically, and the role of chemistry and energy intensive/chemical industry in achieving climate goals.
