CAP and Pollinators
How can we ensure the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) respects pollinators? Bees can help us to reach this objective.
The CAP and Pollinators document covers recommendations for the implementation of the CAP 2014-2020 and for the orientation of European agricultural policy. We propose to place again bees and other pollinators in the heart of the food production system. We propose to build agricultural systems that respond to the needs of pollinators, while guaranteeing food production that contributes to the well-being of European citizens.
These are the main recommendations for all rural European territories:
In agricultural terms: - Reduce the contamination of living beings (humans, plants, animals, fungi, etc.), soil, water and air with synthetic chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, miticide, nematicide treatments, fertiliser, growth regulators, etc.). - Encourage agricultural practices that respect the natural cycles and balances of ecosystems. Well-established agricultural practices are essential to this end, like crop rotation, intercropping and mixed and diversified production systems (livestock farming, crop growing, timber production, food processing, etc.). In terms of CAP management, it is essential to:
- Constantly clarify the texts of European, national and regional laws in order to respond to the needs of pollinators. - Communicate to the direct beneficiaries of the CAP about the support available to them, in terms of training and independent technical services, to support a way of farming in harmony with the environment. It is necessary to develop these services and to communicate to the beneficiaries and civil society on a wide scale, about the research results towards agricultural practices that respect the environment. Training and research based on the agroecological approach, as well as environmental education, are key elements to an agricultural model that respects pollinators. - Evaluate the environmental results of the CAP in rural areas. The vitality and productivity of honeybee colonies are excellent indicators that can be used to evaluate environmental results. - Verify the effectiveness of control and sanction methods when damage has been caused and practices harmful to pollinators have been used.
On the dossier you will find a non-exhaustive analysis of the CAP regulations, according to the needs of pollinators. Examples of initiatives favourable to pollinators are also provided.