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Strategic Dialogue calls for climate targets for EU agriculture and a just transition fund for farming

At the beginning of the year, Ursula von der Leyen initiated a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. The 29 participants represented various industry organisations and civil society. On 5 September they published a report that contains many good recommendations but is not so good on delivering specific goals. Here are some points particularly relevant to air and climate:

They want to retain the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy). However, environmental and income support should be separated. Substantially more funding should be allocated to environmental and climate support in the next two CAP periods (approximately 2028–2036).
They propose creating an Agri-Food Just Transition Fund, which would be separate from the CAP and possibly managed by a different authority. Among other things, it would finance reductions in livestock populations in areas with excessive animal density.
They suggest implementing a greenhouse gas emission accounting system and setting targets for different types of agriculture.
They do not take a position on the agricultural ETS (Emissions Trading System) but urge the Commission to explore the issue further with stakeholders.
They call on the Commission to publish an Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan (which was ready for release in spring 2023 but was shelved for being too controversial).
They request that the Commission allocates funds for a nature restoration fund.
They want to support consumers in transitioning to more plant-based protein diets.

Von der Leyen has invested significant political capital in this process and has promised to consider it when developing a New Future Vision for Agriculture, expected in March 2025. Next spring, the process of designing the next CAP will also begin.

Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture – A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe, September 2024: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/171329ff-0f50-4fa5-94...

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Strategic Dialogue calls for climate targets for EU agriculture and a just transition fund for farming

In this issue

EU climate targets need more ambition

Editorial: EU delays critical action for 1.5°C target

WHO calls for urgent and radical action on climate change

The toxic cocktail of heat and air pollution in a changing world

Updated EU directive set to tackle industrial emissions

The need for new transportation goals and cheaper public transport

Commission NEC report: Ammonia pollution lags behind

Lessons for the EU – policy mixes are the way to go

Best climate policies in northern and eastern Europe

UN body discusses northern forests and climate change

Reducing methane emissions would boost global crop yields

EU Member State's policies in the fight against air pollution

Offshore wind’s role in the race to net zero

Many risks related to carbon markets and Article 6 in the Paris Agreement

Forests in Azerbaijan – a vital yet diminishing resource

Publications

Addressing challenges in the land sector under the Paris Agreement

SINK OR SOURCE? Northern Forests at a crossroads

The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C

Protecting Northern Forests crucial for biodiversity, the climate and indigenous rights

The 100 largest industry emitters in EU-27

Road to Nowhere

Bioenergy CCS – too little, too expensive, and not net negative

Direct air carbon capture and storage - A waste of time and energy

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