Ministers bespreken vergroening en verhogen opbrengst landbouwbeleid

Informal Council in Horsens: The discussion at the agricultural Minister’s green think tank showed consensus that there really is no choice between productivity and sustainability.

”Earth’s resources are limited and vulnerable. We need to take care of them, and Europe should be a frontrunner. This is why I invited my EU colleagues to develop and share visions in today’s green think tank,” says the Danish host, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mette Gjerskov.

Presentations by international experts from OECD, WWF and Unilever emphasized the global environmental challenge and the experts all underlined that there is only one model for future growth - and that is a green one.

And today’s debate illustrated agreement that considerations for natural resources may well be combined with increased productivity.

“I noted that my colleagues do not question whether to have a green transition or not. But when and how. There is broad consensus that we need more for less. There is, however, at the same time concerns for the farmers; it is important to create jobs and export,” says the Danish host and adds that:

“I am convinced that the green considerations, that have been highlighted today, will be remembered when we continue negotiations on the Common Agricultural Reform. And it made an impression on us to realize that one of the world’s largest food producers consider sustainability a profitable business.”