Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 6830 I EUROPEAN SEED I EUROPEAN-SEED.COM dropped by nearly a quarter. This can be attributed to an increase in efficiency, a decrease in the number of livestock and better agricultural practices. At the same time, agriculture can contribute to mitigating the consequences of climate change by capturing carbon dioxide in soils and plants, the use of legumes and biogas production. Also the greening component of CAP is to serve the goal of improving the condition of the environment and combatting climate change. Greening is a condition for receiving 30 per cent of direct payments, and at the same time 30 per cent of funds from the CAP second pillar are allocated for agro-environmental climate and forestry programs. Agriculture, apart from providing resources for the industry, also has significant potential in the field of energy production by having a positive impact on energy security. It is mainly the case in terms of renewable energy sources such as biomass, biogas, biofuels, solar, water and wind energy in rural areas, et cetera. THE ISSUE OF WATER SHORTAGE Something closely connected with climate change is the growing problem of water shortage. Water is predominant on Earth and covers 71 per cent of the globe. However, only a small amount of all water reserves are useful for humans (fresh water). It is estimated that global demand for water will increase by 40 per cent due to the effects of such factors like population growth and climate change. Over 20 years ago, the UN declared March 22 as World Water Day and several years ago recognized access to clean water and sanitary facilities as one of humanity’s fundamental rights. Water is needed in agriculture to grow plants and breed animals and it is also necessary in the food processing industry and other sectors of the economy. Globally, agriculture uses up around 70 to 80 per cent of all fresh water that is in use. In the EU, agriculture uses up around 33 per cent of acquired fresh water. Climate change as well as constantly growing demand for water results in many agricultural regions in Europe being endangered by water shortage. That is why agriculture is one of the key sectors in the EU that must increase its efforts to improve water management. In the scope of the reform of the CAP, there were actions aimed at protecting water and the improvement of water management in rural areas. One should keep in mind that water management is a complex topic that requires numerous actions and investments. An increased forest coverage would serve to improve water conditions. Also an adequate selection of crops may serve to increase the amount of water captured in soils. Crops more resilient to drought should be promoted in the areas especially at risk from water shortage. This will bring numerous benefits to the farmers, enabling them to save water and energy and increase the resilience of crops to climate change. The necessary adjustments in the scope of managing water reserves in rural areas in the context of current economic, environmental and climate challenges are significant and very costly. That is why these goals should be aided also from funds other than CAP. In regard to energy policy, new instruments are being introduced aimed at rational and effective use of energy. The approach to solving water issues should be the same. Ensuring sufficient access to water is one of the major challenges that the world is facing nowadays since water determines economic development and human progress. — Czesław Siekierski is chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in the European Parliament. “Agriculture is one of the key sectors in the EU”