Newly uncovered documents show how Copa Cogeca, Europe's leading farming lobby, actively worked to weaken EU reforms aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.
The documents, obtained by Grilled and the Guardian, detail a comprehensive lobbying strategy in response to the EU's 2020 proposals to cut pesticide use by half.
Delaying Tactics
In February 2021, Copa Cogeca laid out plans to delay and ultimately undermine the proposed regulations.
A note from September 2022 stated: "The European parliament elections are in 2024. Perhaps it is worth delaying until then.
We must force the [European] Commission to abandon its objectives."
This delay tactic contributed to a six-month slowdown in the policymaking process.
During the same meeting, the group decided to push for a new impact assessment on the policy, which added further delays.
The organization also rejected a European parliament report on the pesticides policy, labeling it as "offensive."
Additionally, Copa Cogeca presented commissioned research to EU ambassadors, indicating support from member states.
