22 March 1995

Doc. 7238 2nd Revised

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on global challenges for agriculture (including aquaculture, fisheries and forestry)

presented by Mr SCHEER, Germany, SOC and others

1.       The Assembly is aware that new global political initiatives are needed to preserve the Earth's ecosystem. Many of the major dangers facing nature and humanity are related to the wasteful and polluting management of resources which directly or indirectly concern the agricultural sector. This means that their solution will not be possible without reforms of agricultural policies in the broadest sense (including aquaculture, forestry and fisheries).

2.       Global warming, which threatens important human habitats, is caused by the excessive release into the atmosphere of climate-active gases, in particular carbon dioxide stemming from the burning of fossil fuels - which also causes serious environmental damage through acid rain. The use of renewable raw materials produced by agriculture and forestry could solve these problems.

3.       World food security is threatened by the increasing desertification taking place worldwide, coupled with rapid population growth - it is estimated that by the year 2025 the world population will reach 8,500 million. In Africa available crop land per person will diminish to one-third of the present level by the year 2025, i.e. 0.1 hectare per person. Important reductions will also take place in other regions. Only a sensible maintenance of vegetation covers as well as fertile soil can halt this evolution.

4.       The increasing need for resources resulting from population growth leads to an over-exploitation of most ecosystems: the destruction of forests and fish resources, humus loss, etc. The habitats, not only of humans but of a vast number of animals and plants, are threatened and so is bio-diversity.

5.       The excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture, coupled with industrial pollution, are rendering soil unsuited for agricultural production in many places. Humans, animals and plants also run health hazards caused by polluted air and water.

6.       Available water per person per year will be below the estimated minimum quantity for an industrialised nation in an increasing number of countries in Africa and the Middle East within the next 30 years. Degradation of water quality and serious quantitative restrictions may have the gravest consequences for food production and for the survival of millions of people, animals and plants. Water may therefore become a source of violent conflicts in many regions of the world during the next century due to its decreasing availability and the increased competition for this scarce, "non-renewable" resource.

7.       Increased use of renewable raw materials in industry and the energy sector could vitalise the agricultural sector, create new employment in rural areas and give rural economies new "oxygen" for future sustainable development.

8.       The advancement of science and technology has brought fundamental changes in agriculture. Among the newer inventions is the use of bio-technology to genetically modify living organisms (bacteria, plants, animals, etc.). These inventions can be patented. The ownership of newly patented seeds, plants or animals is a rather delicate question, as is the control and consequences of their release in the natural environment and the impact on existing bio-diversity.

9.       World trade in agricultural commodities is mainly considered in economic terms, whereas social and ecological factors are insufficiently taken into account. This has reinforced non-sustainable intensive production patterns, with rural exodus and unemployment as a serious social consequence.

10.       Not only the land, but the oceans' ecosystems are in danger due to human activities. The threat to this resource-base and its stabilising capacity for the world climate could jeopardise life on Earth.

11.       Consequently, the Assembly recommends that member governments launch new comprehensive agricultural policy initiatives with a view to:

i.       preserving natural ecosystems with their bio-diversity and adopt sustainable resources management regimes for their exploitation;

ii.       reviewing trade, agricultural, forestry, fisheries and other policies of importance for resources management in line with these principles and maintain food security;

iii.       favouring, through tax and other policy measures, the use of renewable raw materials produced by agriculture for industry and the energy sector and encourage public organisations to make use of such production systems;

iv.       carefully monitoring the use of bio-technology in the agricultural sector (including aquaculture, fisheries and forestry) to avoid negative consequences for nature, food safety and food security.

Signed:

Scheer, Germany, SOC

Alexander, United Kingdom, EDG

Antretter, Germany, SOC

Crowley, Ireland, EPP

Jeambrun, France, LDR

Kairys, Lithuania, -

van der Linden, Netherlands, EPP

Mändmets, Estonia, EDG

Moser, Bulgaria, EPP

Seiler, Switzerland, LDR

Szakal, Hungary, EDG

*       SOC : Socialist Group

      EPP : Group of the European People's Party

      EDG : European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left