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Anger of farmers: Brussels makes a gesture for fallow land
Monday January 31, Brussels made a gesture for fallow land in particular. The obligation to devote 4% of land to fallow could be suspended for 2024, but under certain conditions. – (Franceinfo)
Monday January 31, Brussels made a gesture for fallow land in particular. The obligation to devote 4% of land to fallow could be suspended for 2024, but under certain conditions.
Brussels is considering an exemption for 2024 from the obligation to set aside 4% of land. In exchange, farmers will have to grow crops favorable to biodiversity on part of their farm. This compromise does not satisfy farmers. “We want it to be written in stone, cancellation of the 4% and not a derogation”explains Étienne Cuypers, farmer FDSEA 77 (Seine-et-Marne).
Two options for farmers
To satisfy Brussels, farmers would have two options: make 4% of their land fallow non-productive areas, groves or bodies of water. The other solution is to produce 7% intermediate crops such as fodder radishes, or legumes, plantations which promote biodiversity. In Eure, Jean-Bernard Lozier estimates that around 10% of his farm is uncultivated, with part fallow. According to him, this would enrich the soil and make pesticides unnecessary.
