The man selected for the role of European Commissioner for Environment has backed plans to earmark 30% of rural development programme spending on climate and environment measures.

In a written answer to MEPs, Virginijus Sinkevicius, a Lithuanian politician, said it was critical that farmers were supported “in their transition to sustainable agriculture”.

He said provisions on enhanced conditionality, eco-schemes, and the 30% spend must be maintained through ongoing CAP negotiations.

This means ... addressing the environmental impacts of the way we produce, distribute and consume food

Sinkevicius said he had been asked to “look at everything from Natura 2000, deforestation, land degradation, protected species and habitats to sustainable seas and oceans”.

“Domestically, this means improving the sustainability of our farming and fisheries practices and addressing the environmental impacts of the way we produce, distribute and consume food in Europe.

“I am also convinced that our ambition may justify a fresh look at the health of our soils,” he said.

Sinkevicius is the deputy leader of the Lithuanian Farmers and Green Union, which is the ruling political party in Lithuania. At the age of 28, he is the youngest potential commissioner.

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