Challenge of deterioration of agricultural land in the EU and in particular in Southern Europe: the response through EU-agricultural policy instruments

Own-initiative report on the deterioration of agricultural land in the EU, particularly in Southern Europe, and the response through agricultural policy instruments. The amendments revise recitals and paragraphs on soil degradation, erosion, salinisation and desertification, the role of farmers, permanent crops, grassland, terraces and forestry, the CAP's second pillar and 'good agricultural and environmental condition' principles, water management and efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and a soil-monitoring and drought alert system.