The ongoing negotiations on the EU Food and Feed Safety Omnibus are crucial for the future of EU agriculture, but the reform must reflect each member state's realities and Europe's diverse farming conditions, argue representatives of the League of Romanian Agricultural Producer Associations (LAPAR).

They note that while soil-pest pressure is low in many western regions, Romanian farmers face significant annual losses. LAPAR argues that Romanian agriculture needs enough crop-protection solutions to remain competitive, ensure raw materials for the food industry and support sustainable growth.

LAPAR calls on Romanian and EU authorities for legislation based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and national specificities, so farmers have the tools needed to protect crops and safeguard food security.

'We are not talking about a privilege for farmers, but about Romania's ability to produce food. Our agriculture faces different challenges than other member states, and European legislation must take these differences into account. The negotiations on the phytosanitary Omnibus are essential for farmers to keep access to sufficient crop-protection solutions and to be able to produce in conditions of safety, predictability and competitiveness,' said LAPAR president Matei Titianu.

The League of Romanian Agricultural Producer Associations (LAPAR) represents the interests of Romanian farmers at national and European level, being a member of the Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation and of COPA-COGECA, the most important organisation representing farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the EU. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Badea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)