The guest was Dr. Paulina Sobiesiak-Penszko, director of the Sustainable Development and Climate Policy program at the Institute of Public Affairs. In an interview with the host Patryk Strzałkowski, the topic of farmers’ protests was discussed.
Farmers’ protests “a story about the structural problems of agriculture.” What does the Green Deal have to do with it?
– The European Green Deal appears on the banners of these protests, but when we listen to what farmers actually talk about, this issue does not come to the fore at all. This is a story about the structural, deep problems of agriculture. (…) I see all this primarily as frustration caused by unpredictability and crises – said a representative of the Institute of Public Affairs.
Among the factors that farmers across Europe have to face, she mentioned the increase in production costs, the climate crisis, the need to do additional work, a shaken sense of security related to war and a lack of trust in their own products.
Farmers don’t understand the assumptions of the Green Deal? “Communication failed”
– The new common agricultural policy shows a change in thinking. Until now, the more hectares someone had, regardless of what they did, the bigger the payouts they received. Now we are moving towards more appreciating pro-environmental, soil-friendly and water storage practices. There is a lot of emphasis on supporting young farmers, because we know that the village is aging and depopulating – explained Sobiesiak-Penszko.
According to the expert, the main problem currently lies in communication with farmers who, even when using subsidies for specific solutions, often do not know why they are beneficial to the economy and the environment. – We see that this communication has failed, so now we should consider how to improve this process, and not communicate that this European order is bad, because these solutions are supposed to protect farmers from serious problems and even greater instability – she concluded.
Source: Gazeta
At 247 News Agency, Jason has covered a wide range of topics, from politics and business to crime and entertainment. He is highly respected by his colleagues and peers, and his articles are widely read and shared. With a passion for news and a commitment to accuracy, Jason Root is a valuable asset to the 247 News Agency team.
