EC paper focuses on agriculture's effect on air quality

European farmers have a major part to play in helping to improve air quality across the continent, a European commission paper has said.

According to Reuters, the report - which is still in draft form - called for long-term solutions to help reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.

It suggested that irrigation plans would need to be developed, while farmers must also focus on the use of renewable energies and bioproducts to cut down on nitrous oxide and methane emissions.

"Over the next decades, adaptation will need to go beyond mere adjustments of current practice," the paper advised.

It claimed that the agricultural sector would also require significant funding to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change and support research and experimental production.

The EU has called for all countries to play their part in reducing worldwide emissions by 2050 as it seeks to ensure that the average global temperature does not rise by more than two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.