The effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident in our environment. Droughts and floods are becoming more and more frequent. These phenomena are exacerbating soil erosion, particularly on agricultural land. To provide better soil protection and combat erosion, the EU and Wallonia are introducing new regulations under the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy).
The impact of erosion on agricultural land
In Wallonia, mudslides are observed every year across all agricultural regions. This phenomenon is evidence of the progression of global warming.
Water-induced soil erosion causes considerable damage. In agricultural crops, it leads to a decline in productivity in the medium and long term, as well as financial losses. From a public perspective, homes and roads suffer extensive damage.
To combat mudslides and protect agricultural land, the EU and Wallonia have decided to take action by including a section on erosion in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027.
What do the new CAP regulations involve?
The CAP, or Common Agricultural Policy, is a policy implemented by the European Union with the aim of developing and supporting agriculture in the Member States.
Established in 1962, the CAP aims, amongst other things, to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. It contributes to the fight against climate change, the sustainable management of natural resources and the preservation of the rural economy.
This policy is being implemented over a four-year period. In its latest version, the CAP includes an objective to combat erosion and preserve agricultural land.
A new regulation entitled: BCAE 5 – “Management of tillage practices to reduce the risk of soil degradation and erosion, taking into account the gradient.”
These new regulations introduce significant changes and new corrective measures tailored to the specific context and agricultural practices.
In order to assess the risk of erosion objectively, the method for calculating this risk is evolving. Previously, only the slope was taken into account. In future, the calculation will be based on the gradient of the slope, the length of the slope, the soil type and the intensity of local rainfall. These criteria will determine how susceptible the land is. The result may range from “very low” to “extreme”. This will then influence the measures taken by farmers.
Here are a few examples of corrective measures:
- Reduce the length of the slope by dividing the plots.
- Establishing crops under cover.
- Using innovative erosion control techniques such as the anti-erosion roller for maize and inter-row sowing of maize.
- Surround the plot with an anti-erosion strip (comprising meadow grasses or winter cereals).
- Create inter-ridge furrows for ridge-grown crops (provided that the risk of erosion does not reach a high level).
The BCAE 5 scheme has come into force, but it provides for a two-year transition period between 2023 and 2024. This period is intended to allow farmers to put the necessary measures in place.
Why are farmers concerned about these new requirements?
This new regulation is causing many farmers to grit their teeth. Indeed, the new CAP is proving more difficult to implement in practice.
The majority of farmers consider it too restrictive. In their view, the CAP does not strike a sufficient balance between the environment and crop production. Furthermore, the short timeframe for implementing the measures does not allow every farmer to adapt.
This regulation could also have an impact on the price of agricultural land.
A matter to keep a close eye on.
