The umbrella organization of the EU agricultural lobby, Copa-Cogeca, is mobilizing around 10,000 farmers to Brussels for December 18 to protest against the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2028. They demand the preservation of agricultural subsidies, deregulation, and protection from competition through the EU-Mercosur agreement.

The newly founded non-governmental organization nature solidarity sharply criticizes these demands and points to the EU agricultural lobby’s co-responsibility for species loss, soil damage, inadequate animal welfare, and the threat to food security in Europe.

“Since the turn of the millennium, approximately 1.5 trillion euros have flowed into the EU agricultural system, which causes massive ecological damage and economically overwhelms many farmers,” says nature solidarity board member Matthias Wolfschmidt.
“Copa-Cogeca demands deregulation and a business-as-usual approach to subsidies, but has no strategy for a sustainable EU agricultural policy. In times of climate change, species extinction, and geopolitical upheavals, this is a confession of failure by the agricultural lobby. They have nothing more to offer than the continuation of their old, destructive recipes.”
According to nature solidarity, the consequences of the destructive EU agricultural policy, largely driven by Copa-Cogeca for decades, have long been scientifically documented: pesticide residues on 80 percent and over-fertilization on 70 percent of fields, agricultural toxins in water, massive losses of bees and farmland birds, and annual losses of 50 billion euros solely due to declining soil fertility. Farm closures, over-indebtedness, and psychological strain on many farmers have also not been halted despite generous subsidies. Many farms are now on the brink, while young talent is lacking and uncontrolled speculation dictates prices on the world market.

Background:

nature solidarity calls for a reorientation of EU agricultural policy. Because the current policy is responsible for massive species extinction, the impending collapse of ecosystems, and the overwhelming burden on many farmers in Europe.

Market-based incentives should replace subsidies and excessive agricultural bureaucracy. This will not only promote environmentally and climate-friendly production throughout the EU, but also trigger overdue innovations. Incentives for this are provided by EU-wide pricing of pesticides, mineral fertilizers, and agricultural CO2 emissions. To ensure that the new EU agriculture is economically successful for biodiversity, stable ecosystems, and healthy soils, domestic producers will be protected from cheap imports from third countries with lower standards through environmental tariffs.

The goal of nature solidarity is a sustainable agriculture that is attractive to young people and provides fair incomes. Social compensation measures are intended to ensure that all consumers can eat a healthy and balanced diet. The NGO is a non-profit association (e.V.), politically independent, and financed exclusively by donations from non-profit organizations and private individuals.

Contact:

Matthias Wolfschmidt, Board Member
+49 (0)151 58178205
presse@nature-solidarity.org

Download Press Release of December 17, 2025