E

ephemeral: A plant or insect that has a short life cycle and may complete several life cycles within a year. Many weeds are ephemerals. Managing ephemeral species helps farmers maintain crop health and productivity.

entomological: Referring to insects. Understanding entomology helps farmers manage pests and protect crops.

eyespot: A disease of cereals (Cercosporella herpotrichoides), which causes lesions to form on the stem surface and gray mold inside the stem. Compare sharp eyespot. Managing eyespot disease helps farmers protect crop health and yield.

ecological efficiency: A measurement of how much energy is used at different stages in the food chain or at different trophic levels. Understanding ecological efficiency helps farmers optimize resource use and improve sustainability.

environmental quality standard: A limit for the concentration of an effluent or pollutant which is accepted in a specific environment, e.g., the concentration of trace elements in drinking water or of additives in food. Complying with environmental quality standards helps farmers protect ecosystems and ensure food safety.

emulsifier: A substance added to mixtures of food such as water and oil to hold them together. Stabilizer (NOTE: Emulsifiers are used in sauces and added to meat to increase the water content so that the meat is heavier. In the European Union, emulsifiers and stabilizers have E numbers E322 to E495.) Understanding emulsifiers helps farmers in food processing and product formulation.

environmental impact: The effect upon the environment of actions or events such as large construction programs or the draining of marshes. Understanding environmental impact helps farmers adopt practices that minimize harm to the natural world.

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund: A fund set up to cover the costs of administering the CAP, financed by the European Union budget. Abbr EAGGF. Accessing EAGGF helps farmers receive financial support for agricultural improvements and sustainability projects.

ecoagriculture: The practice of productive agriculture using methods designed to maintain natural resources, biodiversity, and the landscape. Ecoagriculture benefits farmers by promoting sustainable practices that protect and enhance the environment.

enrich: 1. To make something richer or stronger, e.g., soil can be enriched by adding humus. 2. To improve the nutritional quality of food. Enrich with vitamins. 3. To improve the living conditions of farm animals, e.g., by providing them with larger living areas. Enrichment practices help farmers enhance soil health, food quality, and animal welfare.