Europe’s rural land faces many competing demands for the provision of food, energy and timber, as well as environmental and cultural services.
There is scarcely any true wilderness left in the EU, so the ways in which land is managed affects the quality of the environment as well as the character and social fabric of much of rural Europe.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to be a major driver of land use and management decisions. Other sectoral policies, such as those promoting renewable energy, protecting biodiversity and regulating water quality and usage have an important influence too.
IEEP seeks to inform and influence the development of the key EU policies that affect the sustainable use of rural land and to encourage the integration of environmental priorities into these policies.
We provide independent policy research, analysis and advice focussing on ways in which farming and forestry can help to protect Europe’s natural resources and the wide range of environmental goods and services which they support.
Highlights
EU bioenergy and its use of biomass have several impacts on the biophysical system. This report provides a meta-review of the use of biomass within biophysical limits in the context of the EU Green Deal.
Countries joining the Global Methane Pledge have committed to reducing global methane emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030. But there is a lack of attention on emissions from the agriculture sector, although they account for most of the global methane emissions.
IEEP cautiously welcomes the decision of over 100 world leaders at COP26 to commit to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.
IEEP is convening discussions with a group of stakeholders on agricultural R&I, with a focus on Horizon Europe. In light of the proposed budget cuts by the Council, stakeholders voice their support for appropriate funding for vital research, in line with the Parliament’s and Commission’s budget position.
European food systems are not sustainable. In light of forthcoming proposals for a new EU legislative framework for sustainable food systems, this paper sets out the challenges that this should address and maps out ways it could be achieved.
European soils are under great threat, an issue which the research and innovation-based Horizon Europe Mission on soil is aiming to address. IEEP welcomes the mission and R&I efforts for rapid and combined efforts.
This policy report explores systems thinking and essential actions around food system resilience in EU agriculture in the post-COVID-19 period. In preparation for the Farm to Fork conference, systems thinking is essential and action is required now.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the key funding tool to address sustainability challenges in the agriculture sector. This IEEP report sets out the main environmental needs in France relating to agriculture, to inform the decision-making process on how CAP funds will be spent.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the key funding tool to address sustainability challenges in the agriculture sector. This IEEP report sets out the main environmental needs in Germany relating to agriculture, to inform the decision-making process on how CAP funds will be spent.
On 16 September, several stakeholders came together at a workshop to discuss sustainable biomass supply and the role of bioenergy in the EU going forward. But how much agreement can be established?
As a key part of the Green Deal published in May 2020, the European Commission introduced the Farm to Fork strategy which looks at accelerating the transition towards a fair, sustainable and healthy food system. The strategy includes targets for a European food system with a reduced footprint until 2030, addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Innovation for sustainability comprises social as well as technological achievements and transformations. In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, a transition to a sustainable and resilient food system calls for a wider understanding of innovation than a focus on technology. In the statement below, IEEP explains its involvement in the RIE Taskforce on Sustainable Agriculture and Innovation.
On Monday, EU farm ministers approved the provisional deal reached with the European Parliament on the new CAP reform. The following assessment looks at the six fundamental issues identified by IEEP as essential for keeping the green ambition of the future CAP alive.
In creating a sustainable and healthy food system, reducing the pressure on the environment is key. As a non-chemical and targeted input, biocontrol can offer a systemic and balanced solution for sustainable agriculture. This new report explores the benefits of biocontrol and the role it could play in the implementation of the European Green Deal.
This event, co-organised by IEEP and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), marks the launch of an IEEP report on the benefits of biological pest control for nature, food, health and climate in Europe.
Bioenergy and the reliance of biomass sources, is expected to play a crucial role in delivering the European Green Deal and in decarbonising the energy system to support achieving climate neutrality by 2050. But how sustainable is it, and what are the implications of revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III)?
Healthy multifunctional soils are key to put the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy into action. In light of the consultation on the new Soil Strategy, IEEP puts forward three main recommendations to ensure soils are adequately considered and protected in future EU initiatives.
Agriculture is out of the green list for climate action, risking its access to much needed private capital to support the sector in both its sustainability transition and in responding to the adaptation needs in light of a changing climate.
The March super trilogue is a decisive moment for the future of the EU’s farming policy. IEEP's agriculture researchers have put forward recommendations for ensuring that the next CAP policy is fit to support an ambitious implementation of the European Green Deal.
Under the European Green Deal, the EU has pledged to minimise its contribution to deforestation and forest degradation around the world and to promote the consumption of goods from deforestation-free supply chains. But what will that mean in practice?
