The implementation of the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change could lead to a new wave of protests by farmers in the European Union, Politico reports.
Environmental issues and agricultural regulation have become “politically toxic“ in recent years, the article states. EU countries are reluctant to address issues related to agricultural emissions due to the risk of large-scale protests by farmers and lobbying activities.
In their latest report on March 11, the council's experts recommended eliminating subsidies for agricultural enterprises with high greenhouse gas emissions, introducing taxes on polluting emissions in the agricultural sector and encouraging a reduction in the consumption of red meat, which produces a lot of methane. Experts suggest channelling additional tax revenues from farmers and subsidy savings to businesses to help them make the green transition.
The EU could follow the council's recommendations by including some of them in new environmental legislation and a subsidy programme for agricultural businesses.
Previously, farmers across Europe held days of protests against the trade agreement between the European Union and the free market countries of Mercosur (MERCOSUR) and the new European agricultural policy.