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European Green Deal: more sustainable use of plant and soil natural resources

The Commission's comprehensive package for sustainable resource use strengthens EU food systems and farming. It encompasses various measures aimed at promoting sustainability and resilience. A crucial aspect is the introduction of a soil monitoring law that sets a trajectory for healthy soils by 2050.

date:  02/08/2023

This law not only gathers data on soil health but also makes it accessible to stakeholders such as farmers and soil managers. It emphasises sustainable soil management and addresses situations involving unacceptable health and environmental risks due to soil contamination.

Innovation plays a central role in these measures. The package encourages the safe utilization of technical advancements in genomic techniques. This innovation enables the development of climate-resilient crops, decreases reliance on chemical pesticides, and ensures a more sustainable approach to seeds and reproductive material for plants and forests.

To further enhance resource efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the package also introduces steps to combat food and textile waste. By reducing waste, the EU aims to promote a more efficient use of natural resources.

The advantages of this package are widespread. They encompass economic, social, health, and environmental dimensions. These measures support livelihoods, rural prosperity, food security, and a robust bioeconomy. They also foster innovation, preserve biodiversity, and enhance climate adaptation efforts.

The proposed legislation also acknowledges the vital role of the European Parliament and Council. The forthcoming discussions on these proposals will align with the overarching objectives of the European Green Deal. This alignment underscores the EU's commitment to global climate action and resource security.