Netherlands: Lower agricultural yield due to Green Deal

Researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) calculated this in a study commissioned by CropLife Europe and CropLife International, both organizations of agrochemical and biotechnological companies. The European Commission wants to halve the use of plant protection products by 2030. According to European plans, the use of fertilizers must also be reduced. The measures are intended to combat climate change and loss of biodiversity, but the result is likely to decrease the yield of agricultural crops, according to the WUR study. The researchers focused on the impact of the farm-to-table and biodiversity strategy, both part of the Green Deal. Annual crops (wheat, rapeseed, maize, sugar beet, hops and tomatoes) and perennial crops (apples, olives, grapes and citrus fruits) were examined. The researchers mapped the impact on the basis of four scenarios, derived from the strategies mentioned. For this research, case studies were first conducted on 25 farms across the European ...