More sustainable farming needed

(CS) A report from the Mouvement Ecologique calls for more sustainable farming in Luxembourg in cooperation with politicians and the public.

Between February and September 2011, the “Jongbaueren a Jongwënzer,” the Mouvement Ecologique and the Oekozenter, with additional support from several experts in the field, met in several sessions to work out suggestions towards a more sustainable agriculture in Luxembourg.

Only 2.5% of land is currently farmed organically in the Grand Duchy, even though demand in organic products is rising.

Too many imports

One of the problems identified by the study is the reliance on beef and dairy farming, with products such as eggs, fruit and vegetables imported from other countries, adding to Luxembourg's carbon footprint.

Additionally, not enough protein-rich cattle feed is farmed in Luxembourg, which makes additional imports necessary.

The study points out that sustainability is not an isolated concern. While the report calls for more organic farming, it also highlights how agriculture influences the quality of soil and ground water, as well as biodiversity.

Working towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture also includes improving the energy-efficiency of farms and insuring the livelihoods and futures of Luxembourg farmers.

The report has since been presented to the minister for agriculture Romain Schneider and the minister for sustainability Marco Schank, who are said to want to try and implement many of the suggested measures.

The consumer counts

Under three main headlines, the partners ask for a climate protection programme for Luxembourg agriculture, the protection of the environment in cooperation with agriculture, as well as the promotion of local markets on the side of the producer and consumer.

In this last point, the Mouvement Ecologique sees a key point towards success, as consumers have a real impact on the local agriculture through their shopping habits, and what they buy and eat. One step towards making things easier for the consumer is the suggestion of a basic label for local products.

For more information please visit the website of the Mouvement Ecologique where the full study is available in German.