Agricultural inputs

The European Parliament today adopted a report by Green draftsman José Bové on how to deal with the challenges faced by farmers with regard to farm inputs (fertilisers, seeds, feed, energy etc.), notably increased market concentration and resulting increased costs. After the vote, draftsman and vice-chair of the EP agriculture committee José Bové said:

"The EP has today called for effective measures to tackle the problems of increasing concentration of the farm input industry, notably increasing input costs for farmers. The report calls for greater transparency on margins and robust measures against abuse of market dominance.

"However, the report also makes clear that another agricultural model is possible. It proposes measures to reduce inputs costs via more balanced agro-environmental farming systems (less fertilizers and pesticides), which also respond to challenges like climate change and loss of soil fertility and biodiversity."