Europe Rethinks Farming to Meet Climate Goals
Balancing Sustainability and Food Security in a Changing World
European agriculture faces a critical juncture, needing to drastically reduce its environmental impact while ensuring a stable food supply. A recent conference highlighted the complex path toward a net-zero agrifood industry, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and policy shifts.
IUCN Calls for Tailored Support
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) acknowledges the significant challenges confronting farmers as they transition to more sustainable practices. Building on Commissioner **Christophe Hansen**’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, the IUCN stresses the importance of providing practical, customized assistance to enhance the resilience of farming operations.
The IUCN has developed numerous science-based resources to aid farmers, including publications like Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture (2020), Sustainable Agriculture and Nature-Based Solutions (2024), and Assessing the Biodiversity-Agriculture Nexus (2024).
“The only way to reduce emissions, ensure food security, and enhance the resilience of the agrifood sector is to work with nature and actively invest in activities that increase biodiversity and ecosystem services, including nature restoration.”
—Boris Erg
According to the European Environment Agency, agriculture is responsible for approximately 10% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with fertilizer use being a major contributor. EEA Data (2024)
A Holistic Approach to Transformation
Addressing economic concerns surrounding the agrifood sector’s transformation, the IUCN advocates for integrated strategies and shared accountability throughout the entire supply chain—from initial processing to final consumption. Farmers should be recognized as vital ecosystem stewards, and all actors must contribute to a just transition.
The IUCN’s commitment to transforming global food systems aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined in Resolution No. WCC-003-2020, which identifies sustainable land management as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Policy Gaps and Future Directions
A key obstacle lies in the fragmented nature of current policies, which primarily target on-farm emissions. A comprehensive, lifecycle-based approach that incentivizes nature-positive actions is currently lacking. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains a powerful instrument for land use in Europe, but it must prioritize decarbonization and reward farming practices that benefit both nature and the climate.
The IUCN intends to continue fostering dialogue on the future of the agrifood sector and the essential role of nature conservation in this transition.
To view the recording of the EURACTIV Agrifood Policy Conference, please visit this link.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6mbC2Qe_ohE%22+loading%3D%22lazy
