Overall, the climate measures of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are considered “consistent with the objectives of sustainable management of natural resources, sustainable food production and balanced spatial development”, according to a study commissioned by the European Commission (DG AGRI) on the impact of the CAP on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, published on Monday 27 May.
The study shows that the greening measures of the first pillar of the CAP (direct aid) have contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, through the maintenance of permanent grasslands and areas beneficial for biodiversity (ecological focus areas) By using a simulation model, the study concluded that these measures decreased agricultural emissions by 2% on an annual basis.
Rural Development Programmes have also been shown to contribute to reducing emissions (a decrease of 1.5% on an annual basis). In addition, organic farming, supported by the CAP, has also contributed to reducing agricultural emissions, according to the study.
With regard to Voluntary Coupled Support, on the contrary, the study shows that in the livestock sector, this system leads to a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Protein crop subsidies may reduce emissions, but they are only used on a small scale.
The study also highlighted indirect influences. For example, income support for farmers contributes to sustaining a diversity of farms across Europe, leading to benefits for the environment.
The study also recognised the EU added-value of the CAP, which has raised the level of climate ambition in Member States.
The study recalls that in the EU, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in 2016 were 20.7% lower than in 1990.
To read the study: https://bit.ly/2W5zYS3. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)