2024-11-30 13:31:00
The Minister of Agriculture,Annie Genevard,announced,on saturday 30 November,in a context of farmers’ mobilization,a series of measures aimed at reducing ” prohibitions,procedures,rules » which are just as many “balls” which weigh,in your opinion,on the sector.
“Farmers are fed up with bans, procedures, rules”he told Agence France-Presse (AFP). “These are realy burdens that have accumulated to the point of weakening the competitiveness of agricultural companies”he added.
Mrs Genevard announced these measures in a context of mobilization of a part of the agricultural world and during a visit on Saturday to a farm in Loiret, where she said she “I listen”in front of about twenty farmers. “In this moment of crisis and doubt I want to be by your side”Mrs. Genevard told them. “We are making farmers lose the very meaning of their profession”he estimated.
Guides the work of ANSES
The first is the creation of a “Crop Protection Board”. Created by decree, this Council, chaired by the minister and bringing together interested parties including farmers, research institutes and producers of plant protection products, will have the aim of “prioritize education” by the Agency for Health safety (ANSES) requests for authorization of inputs, depending on the needs of the agricultural sectors.
In other words, for ANSES it will be a matter of moving requests for the placing on the market of certain products to the top of the list, to satisfy the urgent needs of some crops. “We ask Anses to work as a priority on orphaned or poorly provided uses”said the minister. Plant protection companies will be able to supply “technical expertise because they are the ones who develop
“I think the path to less phyto is a path that no one will turn back on. but for sectors in crisis it is necessary for ANSES to give priority to its work [y] answer “he explained. This decree must also “improve the information of the ministries (…) on the draft decisions of the Anses”. He must too “ask ANSES to facilitate mutual recognition” of products already authorized at European level.ANSES is in the crosshairs of some trade unions for having banned or restricted the use of some pesticides before this happened in the EU.
“Production brakes”
As regards the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), which carries out an environmental police role and whose officers may find themselves confronted by armed persons, the Director General must “Immediately ensure the discretion of weapons in case of inspection. It’s very irritating.” for farmers, according to Genevard. There will also be a “gradual implementation on an experimental basis (…) of wearing a pedestrian camera”.
This declaration comes as the OFB board of directors called on the government to reverse job cuts and limit staff reductions foreseen in the initial budget for 2025.
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Another measure, “a circular to the prefects to optimize the training capabilities of breeding projects, to shorten times and encourage educational checks for recent settlers”. The setting of dates for agricultural work will be carried out at local level and a provision will prevent the same document from being requested several times by administrations.
These ads “going in the right direction”greeted the FNSEA and the Young farmers in a press release. THE “the work on simplification is far from complete”though, they estimate and farmers are waiting “the urgent translation of these announcements so that they have a concrete effect on their daily lives”.
procedures #ballasts #minister
How can new agricultural policies improve sustainability and productivity for farmers?
Interview Title: Navigating Change in Agriculture: An Interview with Expert Dr. Emilie Durand
Time.news Editor (T.N.E.): Welcome,dr. Durand! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. We just heard Minister Annie Genevard announce new measures aimed at alleviating the burdens faced by farmers in France. What is your overall reaction to her statements and the plans she’s put forward?
Dr. Emilie Durand (D.E.D.): Thank you for having me! I think it’s a significant moment in French agriculture. Minister Genevard’s recognition of the frustrations farmers are facing indicates a shift in how the government is viewing agricultural policy.Farmers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the many regulatory constraints that have emerged over the years. It’s crucial that their voices are heard.
T.N.E.: You mentioned the farmers’ frustrations. Can you elaborate on some of the policies or regulations that might be weighing them down?
D.E.D.: Certainly. Over the last decade,we’ve seen a surge in regulations — from environmental standards to safety procedures — that,while necessary for sustainability and public health,can sometimes feel overwhelming. farmers often describe these as “ballast” that restrict their competitiveness in the market. This situation has been exacerbated by the economic pressures of recent years, such as rising costs and climate-related challenges.
T.N.E.: Minister Genevard proposed the creation of a “Crop Protection Board” to prioritize educational requests from ANSES regarding agricultural inputs. What do you think the impact of this board could be?
D.E.D.: The establishment of the Crop Protection Board could be a game changer if implemented effectively. by directly including farmers and researchers in the conversation about crop protection, the government can facilitate a more tailored approach to agricultural needs. This could lead to faster approvals for necessary inputs, ultimately helping farmers to enhance productivity while adhering to safety regulations.
T.N.E.: During her visit, Genevard emphasized her desire to support farmers in a time of crisis. What specific measures do you think would be beneficial in restoring confidence within the agricultural community?
D.E.D.: Beyond regulatory relief,I believe that financial support mechanisms and access to new technologies will be critical. For example, introducing grants or subsidies for lasting practices could encourage innovation.Moreover, enhancing access to markets through better infrastructure or trade agreements would also help farmers feel more secure in their operations.
T.N.E.: You’ve mentioned innovation; how vital do you think it is for farmers to adapt to new agricultural techniques, especially considering today’s environmental challenges?
D.E.D.: It’s vital. The agricultural sector must evolve to remain viable in the face of climate change, soil degradation, and other pressing issues. Farmers should be encouraged and supported to adopt precision farming techniques, regenerative agriculture practices, and other sustainable methods. Education will play a key role here, as the more informed farmers are about these techniques, the more likely they will adopt them.
T.N.E.: given the current upheaval in the agricultural sector, what are your hopes for the future of French agriculture?
D.E.D.: I hope to see a more collaborative relationship between farmers and policymakers.If we can foster dialog and mutual understanding, we can create a robust agricultural system that is responsive to both market needs and environmental sustainability. I’m optimistic about the future, especially with initiatives like those proposed by Minister Genevard opening the door for change.
T.N.E.: Thank you, Dr. durand, for your insights! It’s clear that while challenges exist, there are opportunities for growth and improvement in the agricultural sector.
D.E.D.: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the coming months.