EU Agriculture Ministers on the implementation of the EU forestry strategy and ensuring the availability of fertilizers
The Commission briefed ministers on the implementation of the new EU forestry strategy for 2030. The strategy published in June 2021 builds on the EU framework for coordinating and ensuring the coherence of forest-related policies. The aim of the strategy is to adapt European forests to new conditions, extreme weather conditions and great uncertainty brought about by climate change. In the debate, Minister Irena Šinko emphasized that Slovenia is one of the most forested countries in the EU, as 60% of its territory is covered with biotically diverse forests. “The proposed measures of the strategy go in the right direction; however, reviewing progress in implementing the strategy is quite challenging as actions and targets set by different sectors tend to overlap. We would advocate for more dialogue between Member States, especially on the objectives of the strategy for the next decade. It is essential that the future monitoring system at EU level takes into account the systems already in place in the Member States concerned.” At the conclusion, the minister pointed out that forests are the most valuable natural heritage, that forest management is of utmost importance and that changes in forest management must be reasonable, prudent and gradual..
At the meeting, the Commission presented a message on ensuring the availability and affordability of fertilizers. Due to rising prices and problems with the supply of fertilizers in the EU, the European Parliament and member states called on the European Commission at the September meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council to draw up a pan-European strategy to tackle the challenges facing the fertilizer industry in Europe, as producers reduced production of fertilizers due to rising energy prices. As of September 2022, nitrogen fertilizer prices have increased by 149% over the interim period, alongside a sharp rise in other input costs for farmers over the same period. That is why farmers in Slovenia are delaying the purchase of fertilizers for sowing winter greens. Slovenia believes that it is necessary to approach the issue coherently at the EU level, to strengthen the autonomy of the EU in the production and supply of fertilizers, and that it is crucial to take action for greater transparency of the fertilizer market and the raw materials used in their production. At the same time, it is necessary to promote the sustainable and efficient use of fertilizers and to search for alternative nutrients and energy sources. In the discussion, Minister Šinko also emphasized that currently, short-term support measures for domestic fertilizer producers and farmers are crucial for preserving agricultural production. “The extended temporary framework for state aid measures to address the effects of Russian aggression is a positive measure, but it does not replace action at the EU level. We are in favor of temporarily waiving customs duties on the import of certain fertilizers. Monitoring market conditions is crucial, so we welcome the introduction of the Market Observatory.The minister also highlighted the need for medium- and long-term measures. “Strategic plans will play a key role in increasing the efficient use of fertilizers, education and the introduction of sustainable agricultural practices.”
In the morning part of the session, the ministers discussed two items related to fisheries. The Commission reported on the energy transition of the EU fishing fleet and aquaculture. This was followed by the Commission’s message on the development of a resilient and sustainable algae sector. Today, the Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on the restoration of nature from an agricultural perspective. The proposal for a regulation to support the restoration of degraded ecosystems sets out obligations for individual member states. Slovenia is closely monitoring the debate on the proposal, as the regulation will have a strong impact on agriculture and forestry. In the discussion, Minister Šinko also emphasized:In particular, we welcome efforts to conserve wild pollinators, as they are vital for maintaining biodiversity, and in agriculture for their positive effects on food production.“
The minister met Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, at a bilateral meeting. In the talks in the field of fisheries, they highlighted the situation and peculiarities of Slovenian fisheries, the absorption of EU funds in fisheries and the management of fisheries in the Mediterranean from the perspective of Slovenian fisheries. They discussed the state and specifics of Slovenian forestry, the EU’s forestry strategy in connection with Slovenian forestry, and the Standing Committee on Forestry (SFC). The minister informed the commissioner about the activities that Slovenia has achieved in reducing wasted food.
Minister Šinko met with the Swedish Minister for Rural Development Peter Kullgren. The central topics of the talks were Sweden’s priorities during its presidency of the EU Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. They presented special files for Slovenia, among others, identification of food and especially honey, a proposal for a regulation on the sustainable use of pesticides and environmental issues that also concern agriculture and forestry (nature restoration, emissions from industry, soil protection, deforestation). Fisheries and forestry were also touched upon in the discussion. The minister assured his Swedish colleague of Slovenia’s constructive cooperation in achieving the goals set in the work program of the presidency.