The European Union could slash greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and peatlands by up to 60% by 2050, according to a new report from Agora Agriculture. This would mark a potential breakthrough in a sector where emissions have more or less stagnated since 2005. The report, the first publication by the German-based think tank established in 2022, outlines the pathways for achieving these reductions.
A central element of the report’s strategy is optimiszing land use to balance high yields with critical public goods like carbon storage and biodiversity conservation. Key recommendations include integrating agroforestry systems and rewetting drained peatlands – currently responsible for around 20% of agricultural emissions. These measures not only promise substantial emission reductions but also open new economic opportunities for farmers.
The report also emphasises the importance of sustainable consumption patterns, particularly reducing the consumption of animal products. This shift could free up land for biomass production, further advancing the bioeconomy.
To realise these goals, the report calls for a robust policy framework that includes market-based incentives to reward sustainable practices and the provision of public goods.
The full report is available for free download at www.agora-agriculture.org.
