After nearly two years of negotiations, MEPS and the European government agreed to the text of the new Soil Monitoring Act, demanding that the government implement a robust data collection system and consider limits on practices that lead to degradation.
Last year there was widespread protest against EU environmental policy supported by a large agricultural lobby in Brussels and conservative lawmakers. These have already led to the withdrawal of plans to reduce pesticide use as lawmakers tried to limit the direct impact on farmers.
“Today’s deal is an important milestone in improving support for keeping farmers and all other soils healthy,” said liberal MEP Martin Hojsik (Slovakia/Renew) after reaching a provisional agreement early Thursday morning.
“Providing better information and help while preventing bureaucracy and new obligations is the cornerstone of the new soil monitoring law,” Hodzik said.
Environmental groups were looking for legally binding targets on key indicators such as pollutant levels, nutrient depletion and biodiversity loss – appeared to be relieved that trade had been hit in the current political climate.
Caroline Heinzel, policy officer for the European Environment Agency, said it was “encouraged” that lawmakers reached an agreement in the face of her explanation that she was opposed to “disinformation” and environmental policy, but suggested that the new law was unfair for purpose.
“The first soil law in Europe will act solely to monitor continuous soil degradation, rather than overturning concern over farmers’ livelihoods, nature and climate conclusions,” Heinzel said.
Pesticide Action Network’s Christine Deschampferer blamed lawmakers for their lack of “crowdish” ambitions in Europe. “Pesticides and other soil contaminants need to be reduced urgently and ambitiously, as well as thoroughly monitored,” she said.
The Commission noted that the final text extended several deadlines in the original proposal and was in line with the “practical and flexible” framework along the “simplification” drive, agenda that many critics correspond to root and branch deregulation.
“The law particularly benefits farmers and soil managers by providing support and better knowledge about the condition of the soil, but does not impose any obligation on them,” said Environment Commissioner Jessica Rosswall.
