Jätkusuutliku põllumajanduse poole / Towards sustainable agriculture

Yesterday, on April 27th, the Estonian Chamber of Environmental Associations (EKO) sent a set of proposals to the Minister of Rural Affairs for the next seven-year cycle of agricultural policy. EKO emphasizes that Estonian agricultural subsidies of the new funding period must focus more on organic farming, preserving landscape biodiversity, preventing of water pollution and conservation of soil's good health and restoration of carbon sequestration. Edges of fields, which are rich in blooming plants, help to preserve the biodiversity of landscapes and the natural benefits that are important to farmers. Often, however, the field edges look the opposite as in this photo, made by Aveliina Helm (University of Tartu) EKO's proposals for a new period in agriculture are based on expert knowledge and increasing volume scientific analyzes of the environmental impact of European and Estonian agriculture. EKO acknowledges that many of the activities and grants planned for the new period ar

European Commission unveiled the recommendations for the Member States’ CAP strategic plans o n 18th of December. This far however these haven't been much discussed, at least not in the public, so here is a modest assessment. At ELF, we have been critical more than once of the CAP and the Commissions role in it this far, but recommendations for Estonia are largely adequate. Indeed, many are in good accord with what Estonian environmental NGOs have suggested more than once. I have doubts about only a small number of recommendations. Outside of strictly environmental topics but still with a strong indirect environmental impact is the high concentration of Estonian agriculture and the CAP direct payments. The  Commission proposes (page 2, heading 1.1) a more targeted support from the CAP in favour of small and medium-sized farms. Following this advice would also benefit the environment, since industrialisation of farming threatens air and water quality, while abandonment of HNV farm