In early March, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) published the second Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report, assessing the EU’s progress toward 2030 zero pollution targets. Looking ahead, the report confirms that pollution remains a critical threat to ecosystems, economic development, and public well-being.
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According to the report, agricultural production and food consumption are among the most significant contributors to environmental pollution in Europe. Nearly half of all pollution-related pressures on ecosystems can be traced back to agriculture, primarily due to nutrient and pesticide losses into the environment. These stem from agricultural runoff and fertiliser use, whose long-lasting impacts continue to affect soil and water quality. While recent trends indicate a decline in the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, nutrient losses remain a challenge.
Focusing on soil pollution, the report identifies heavy metal contamination - particularly from cadmium, copper, and zinc - as a growing concern in agricultural soils. The authors warn that acheiving the EU goal of 25% agricultural land under organic farming may be difficult due to the long-lasting presence of these metals in the soil. Of particular concern are the elevated cadmium levels, with 5.5% of the EU soil samples surpassing the 1 mg/kg threshold during the monitoring study.
Cadmium levels in soil are influenced by natural factors such as clay content, erosion, and pH. However, human activities, particularly the use of mineral fertilisers, contribute significantly to its accumulation. Experts believe the proposed EU Soil Monitoring Law could improve awareness of heavy metal contamination and push EU Member States to take action. The report also suggests the EU Fertiliser Law will help reduce the rising levels of heavy metal pollution.
It is crucial to maintain collaboration between policymakers, researchers and the agricultural sector in the EU’s work toward zero-pollution vision. The road ahead is complex, but with innovation and commitment, a cleaner and more resilient food system is within reach.
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