Ahead of the vote, the NFU’s key concerns were the proposals for ambitious ammonia reduction targets for 2030, and the inclusion of methane targets.
The outcome of the vote was mixed, with MEPs voting for:
- The original Commission ammonia targets to be retained (21% reduction by 2030).
- The original Commission methane targets to be retained (41% reduction by 2030), but an exception to be made for enteric methane emissions produced by ruminants.
- Binding targets for 2025 to be introduced, except for methane.
Although the even more ambitious targets proposed by the Environment Committee back in July were not adopted, the extent and ambition of the proposals to reduce ammonia are very concerning.
A 21% reduction by 2030 believed to be at the limit of technical feasibility and a mandatory interim 2025 target for ammonia will add additional pressure on Member States to show progress towards reductions. Although an ‘exception for methane emissions produced by ruminants’ has been proposed, which sounds encouraging, we are unsure how this will play out in practice.
This is disappointing. We were hoping for the recognition from the Parliament for the need for much more realistic and achievable reduction targets that would be affordable for the agricultural sector, would allow for growth and would protect the environment.
MEPs will now enter into negotiations with the Council of Ministers with a view to reaching a first-reading agreement. The NFU will continue to liaise closely with BAB, the NFU’s office in Brussels, and with COPA to work towards a better outcome for farmers and growers in England and Wales.