the Green Deal deemed relevant by researchers with regard to climate and consumer health

Researchers from the Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Inrae) analyzed the three levers proposed by the European Green Deal which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55%. by 2030. First the development of agroecological agriculture with fewer pesticides, fertilizers and more areas conducive to biodiversity such as hedges or wetlands. Then the reduction by half of food losses and waste per inhabitant by 2030, because currently, 131 kilos of food are thrown away per year and per inhabitant in the European Union, which contributes to 15% of the system’s GHG emissions. eating. Finally the third objective, consume less meat because it has a high carbon footprint.

According to scientists, these solutions are really effective. They calculated that, if we apply the three levers at the same time, they are winning solutions. Greenhouse gas emissions linked to agricultural production would decrease significantly, making it possible to respect climate objectives, the biodiversity indicator would improve by around 20%, which is also an asset for the future of farms. And by moving towards a more plant-based plate, emitting less carbon, there are also benefits for the health of the consumer, with a greater intake of fiber, which is validated by the climate action network and the French nutrition society in another study published Tuesday.

The difficulty is that this evolution of the agricultural system risks causing economic difficulties. Difficulties that should not be underestimated, specifies this INRAE ​​study. Because with fewer chemical inputs, agricultural yields risk falling, and prices rising, hence the need to save money by reducing food waste throughout the chain and to increase the share of vegetable proteins (less expensive) on the consumer’s plate. Furthermore, these orientations will have serious repercussions on breeding. And to adapt, write the researchers, this sector must be able to count on the active support of public authorities.