On the release of the Zero pollution action plan

The Zero pollution action plan is an important component of the Green Deal. We support the overall Action Plan's approach considering that slowing down economic activities to prevent pollution is not the best way to prevent and reduce pollution. In fact, European agriculture managed to reduce ammonia pollution significantly, among other emissions and releases, in parallel with increasing productivity and constantly moving towards a more sustainable food production.

Regarding what concerns agriculture in this communication, we welcome the objective on the application of integrated pest management (IPM) to prevent and reduce pollution. The uptake and extension of IPM tools combined with the use of other realistic alternatives such as New Genomic techniques could be a way forward. Still, we need robust research and development supported by the relevant EU agencies and the Horizon Europe Programme.

Regarding the protection of soils, we should maintain the growth potential of farmland and forests and avoid land abandonment of fertile cultivated soils, which are the basis for food security, are a supply of renewable raw materials and are important for maintaining biodiversity. Since the most effective soil protection measures are local and depend on pedoclimatical conditions, the on-farm experience and local soil testing is crucial to adapt to the most suitable management practises. We regard the establishment of a new Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform as a positive initiative. The availability and use of these tools is key for a sustainable agricultural production in the EU while keeping European farming competitive on the global market.

We welcome the objectives to explore industrial symbiosis and policies to enhance circular bioeconomy for SMEs. Agricultural by-products and residues as well as agricultural facilities provide great potential for synergies (for example low-carbon bioenergy production, use of surplus heat in local heat district plants), with the potential to develop further.

On the negative side, tackling ammonia pollution within agriculture through the extension of the scope of the Industrial Emissions Directive to additional agricultural sectors is not the right way for Copa-Cogeca, as it would entail double regulation and will not increase ambition but will only increase the administrative burden.