The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, is a guest on the show.
He talks about the challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic represents for farmers.
If the farmers have been successful in producing enough food for European consumers and even for export, "there have been big distribution problems because of the border blockages. The lessons of the crisis are that we do not we cannot always count on food security based on the importation of goods ".
He insists on the importance of financial support for agriculture: "Eight billion euros over two years transferred from the major European recovery plan, that's not enough, but we must support our farmers using all the other funds Europeans available ".
It also details the new environmental standards of the CAP: thanks to "eco-regimes": part of the direct agricultural payments will be dedicated to farmers who, on a voluntary basis, will adopt better environmental practices.
"Our idea is not to force farmers to change, but to offer them a financial interest in being more respectful of the environment."
Finally, according to him, the reform of the CAP will be more respectful of animal welfare, with more space for animals, self-service access to food.
It also announces the establishment of a labeling system of animal welfare quality standards to enlighten consumers.
Changes in mentalities and lack of resources for the sectors
The France 24 teams have gone to investigate all over France, meeting breeders, researchers and activists, who all expect a lot from Europe in terms of animal welfare.
While mentalities and individual practices change under the pressure of an unprecedented health and economic crisis, the issue of animal welfare is increasingly appearing in political debate and European debate.
In France, the animal cause is considered important by 9 in 10 French people and meat consumption is on the decline (59% believe it has decreased): eating habits have been impacted by the pandemic, with local and organic farming experiencing a renewed interest, but which may not be sustainable.
At a time when Europe intends to renovate its agriculture via the Green Pact and the new CAP, what would the agriculture of the future look like, concerned with both animal welfare and the farmer?
Do we need a European standard "animal welfare / Animal Welfare" label?
Animal welfare and breeding are they compatible, and under what conditions?
How to reconcile quality, standard and economic independence?
A program presented by Caroline de Camaret, with a major report by Xavier Chemisseur and images by Stéphane Bodenne, Céline Schmitt and Johan Bodin.
Actions co-financed by the European Union. This publication reflects the views only of its author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for the use of the information contained.
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