Mariann Fischer Boel, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, recently gave a speech informing members of the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of Sweden about climate change. Her observations about climate change are, "Things will not be the same: not in our lifetime; not in our children’s lifetime; not ever."

Boel explained that in order to succeed agriculturally, "We must grow more food, in more challenging weather conditions, with lower emissions of greenhouse gases." This is part of the EU’s goal of trying to cut greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2020, relative to 1990 levels. If these emission changes are made, Boel thinks it will help limit the global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Since 1990, EU agricultural emissions have already decreased by 20%, partially due to smaller herds of livestock. Boel thinks that the farming industry can decrease its emissions even further by:

· Cutting emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide

· Storing more carbon in farmland soils

· Supplying biomass to produce energy and renewable materials

The commissioner is concerned about water management. Climate change will decrease available water for use and the EU needs to prepare for it. Boel said combining mitigation and adaptation will be crucial, "If we increase carbon levels in soils, this not only locks the carbon away but also helps soil to tolerate prolonged water shortage or sudden, heavy rain."

In order for the farming industry to cut emissions further, policy must support change. Programs will include:

· Investments which help to save energy

· Producing renewable energy

· Using fertilizer more efficiently

· Afforestation

Three program areas in need of change consist of:

· Maximize mitigation of climate change

· Programs that are mutually beneficial to farmers and the environment

· Educating farmers about climate change

Boel points out many important issues with climate change. The EU is heading towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020 and policy will continue to support that goal. Policy must also benefit the farming community though. The commissioner believes that programs need to be more thought out so farmers do not interpret them as simply additional rules.

- Colvin