The way we farm is strongly connected to the environment, food consumption and preferences, the use of natural resources and the environment. IFOAM EU advocates for policy frameworks that sustain and enhance the health of animals and humans, manage materials and energy efficiently, and protect living ecological systems, landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.Biodiversity and conservation are therefore major needs for farming to become resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges.
European farming practice is influenced by a variety of European policy areas, including the Common Agriculture Policy; legislation governing the marketing of seed and plant propagating material, water and soil use, the use of GMOs in food, feed and farming, animal health and welfare; as well as consumer related policies, such as food information and labelling. In each of these areas, IFOAM EU works with like-minded organisations to generate a legislative framework that promotes environmentally positive farming practices.