On the eve of EU's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which will enter into force on January 1, 2023, EU member states are at the final stages of work on their national strategic plans. Some of the national plans have already been approved by the EU, while Bulgaria is still making final adjustments to follow-up on the European Commission’s observations. The Netherlands is among the countries that has received approval, Guido Landheer of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality said in a BTA interview.
In Landheer’s words, in order to support farmers in transition to a greener economy, there is a need for the Green Deal, but also for CAP and financial funds. He said that in 2030, when the emissions reduction targets of 50% should have been met, Europe will see a new agricultural sector - more circular one, based on fewer pesticides and more locally produced food.
Landheer believes that EU member states should cooperate together within the EU, help each other, support each other and partner with each other. Bulgaria and the Netherlands have strong agricultural traditions, and they can work together to achieve even the most ambitious goals, he said, commenting on Bulgaria’s government programme to double its fruit and vegetable production in 5 years.
Landheer has been Director of European, International and Agro-Economic Policy at the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality since 2019. He attended the InteliFresh fruits and vegetables forum in Sofia on Tuesday.
/KK/