The common agricultural policy and the general environmental policies concerned with agriculture in the European Community and their implications for fertilizer consumption |
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| Authors: | A J Williams |
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| Institution: | European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, Ave. E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte 7-B-1160, Brussels, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | This paper traces the major developments in the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and related environmental policy and examines their impact on the use of crop nutrients. The objectives of the CAP were set out in the Treaty of Rome in 1957 and have not been explicitly revised. The Community has, however, progressed from being a significant importer to a major exporter of food. Various changes in the policy measures/reforms, have been implemented, each to control the continuing increase in farm output. The latest of these in May 1992 reduced commodity prices towards world market levels, introduced 15% set aise for arable land, as well as agreeing a number of agri-environmental measures. Further changes are anticipated following the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and as new trade agreements are reached with the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. Inevitably, existing farm systems will be subject to careful reappraisal. The Community's environmental objectives were added to the Treaty in 1987 with the passing of the European Single Act. The interaction between agriculture and the environment has been a prominent concern. The Directive 91/676, which seeks to protect water against pollution caused by nitrate from agricultural sources, is the first Directive to have a major direct impact on farm practive. The Fifth Environmental Action Plan for 1993–2000 ‘Towards Sustainability’ selects agriculture as one of five industries for specific attention. The plan seeks an extensification of agriculture and a reduction in the use of chemicals. Changes in the amount of plant nutrients from both farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers used in agriculture are quantified. Methods of determining the efficiency with which they are utilized are assessed. New advisory techniques which will improve the efficiency of nutrient use on the farm are considered, as are the implications for the future demand for nutrients from mineral fertilizers. This paper is the view of the European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association. |
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