Implementation of Eco‐schemes in Fifteen European Union Member States

Eco-schemes are set to play an important role in the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2022 for delivery of environmental and climate benefits enhanced animal welfare. This article surveys current plans design eco-schemes fifteen Union Member States. The number eco-scheme measures be offered per country varies between 3 21, complexity level ambition individual quite heterogeneous. majority proposed either build upon components from greening obligations or stem agri-environmental schemes currently under Pillar 2. All States address Green Deal targets, with particular emphasis being given biodiversity enhancement non-productive land. Eight countries surveyed planning provide support organic farming through eco-scheme. greater creative freedom by CAP’s New Delivery Model has resulted a situation where similar programmed as some 2 others. By adding yet another policy instrument toolbox, CAP is vastly increased. It remains seen how farmers will respond. Dans la politique agricole commune (PAC) de l'Union européenne après 2022, les éco-régimes sont appelés à jouer un rôle pour fourniture d'avantages environnementaux et climatiques l'amélioration du bien-être animal. Cet passe en revue projets actuels conception d'éco-régimes dans quinze États membres européenne. Le nombre mesures d’éco-régimes proposer par pays varie entre complexité le niveau d'ambition des individuelles assez hétérogènes. La majorité proposées s'appuient sur éléments verdissement ou découlent agro-environnementales actuellement cadre pilier Les répondent aux objectifs Pacte vert, accent particulier étant mis l’amélioration biodiversité foncier non-productif. terres non productives. Huit étudiés envisagent soutenir l'agriculture biologique biais d'un éco-régime. plus grande liberté créative offerte nouveau modèle mise œuvre PAC abouti une où similaires programmées tant qu'éco-régimes certains que Pilier d'autres. En ajoutant encore autre boîte outils PAC, cette dernière est considérablement accrue. Reste savoir comment réagiront agriculteurs. Eco-Schemes werden der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik (GAP) Europäischen nach 2022 eine wichtige Rolle spielen, wenn es darum geht, einen Nutzen für Umwelt und Klima zu erzielen den Tierschutz verbessern. Dieser Artikel gibt Überblick über die aktuellen Pläne Ausgestaltung fünfzehn Mitgliedstaaten Union. Die Anzahl Maßnahmen, einem Land angeboten sollen, schwankt zwischen 21. Hierbei sind Komplexität Zielsetzung einzelnen Maßnahmen recht heterogen. meisten vorgeschlagenen bauen entweder auf Komponenten von Greening-Verpflichtungen oder stammen aus Agrarumwelt- Klimaregelungen, derzeit im Rahmen zweiten Säule werden. Alle befassen sich mit Zielen Deals, wobei Schwerpunkt Förderung biologischen Vielfalt nicht produktiven Flächen liegt. Acht untersuchten Länder planen, ökologischen Landbau durch ein Eco-Scheme unterstützen. größere kreative Freiheit, das neue GAP-Modell bietet, hat dazu geführt, dass ähnliche einigen Ländern als anderen definiert Durch Hinzufügen eines weiteren Politikinstruments zum Portfolio GAP wird erheblich größer. Es bleibt abzuwarten, wie Landwirte Landwirtinnen darauf reagieren transformation agriculture towards sustainability. allocating quarter 1 budget this new instrument, significantly more money available programming period 2023–2027 designed benefits. conceptually (AECS) participation voluntary. A key difference that legally entitled payments, whereas granting procedure used allocate AECS payments. Unlike previous were defined at EU level, free choose long they respect legal requirements Article 31 Strategic Plan Regulation. begin different starting points terms their experience AECSs which guides choice eco-schemes. Furthermore, preferences natural resource settings differ across countries. Against backdrop, aims overview 15 regarding national implementation Potential coverage objectives illustrated discussed also provides details directly target Farm-to-Fork Strategy. significant contribution those required approval National Plans Commission. While due course assessment here based on proposals January/February 2022. information was gathered researchers two complementary projects EFFECT CONSOLE received funding Union's Horizon 2020 Research Innovation programme. section diversity origin, type land targeted, environmental, welfare aspects. For examined, 21 (Table 1). example, Netherlands system foreseen allows combine agricultural practices offer, while other (e.g. Hungary) single measure contains bundle respected. France intends introduce system, but solely crop diversification. not all can combined, mutually exclusive. In France, it have make three options, called ‘practices track’, ‘environmental certification track’ ‘features surfaces favouring track’. arable well permanent temporary grassland varying emphases these. Most allow participate grown crops, specific Spain practice consists depositing prunings ground after crushing. Some livestock; case Bulgaria, Netherlands, Ireland Italy. Regarding origin measures, did become compulsory conditionality regional levels. Even though only eligible basic payment (now Basic Income Support Sustainability - BISS) targeted eco-schemes, foresee extension area beyond this. include grazing fire prevention woody nature-sensitive areas. afforestation plant native trees, remaining payments even forested. aspects ensure comply needs cover least ‘areas action’. eight areas listed regulation are: mitigation; adaptation; water protection; soil protection biodiversity; sustainable reduced use pesticides; actions addressing antimicrobial resistance. “Alle haben befasst, sie große bei Gestaltung aufweisen.” fourteen countries, action; eleven addressed priority (Pr) dedicated measures. Typical establishment landscape features; Romania targets environmentally sensitive risk encroachment forest vegetation. Other options maintenance obligations, extensive Bulgaria) species-diverse grasslands, pollinator-friendly practices. Germany foresees targeting Natura 2000 Soil countries; five mainly maintaining vegetation land, going respective rules, prevent erosion non-ploughing requirements. Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Poland zero-tillage direct seeding strip tillage). Plant interrows supported Italy vineyards, vineyards orchards, Austria hops. liming sampling objective agronomically optimal pH. Twelve quality primary focus, Hungary supports water-saving irrigation retention grassland. Examples fertiliser application, sometimes combined precision technology grassed buffer strips along ditches (the Netherlands). fertilisation plan measure. planned irrigated who engage account quantities phytosanitary products use. Measures adapt mitigate change thirteen reducing disturbance limiting nutrient surpluses considered friendly. Planting trees (Ireland), production adapted wet conditions Netherlands) agroforestry (Germany) foster carbon sequestration. Dedicated site-specific undisturbed grassland, injection friendly spreading (Latvia). sequestration meadows minimal activities. Denmark, soils high matter rotation aim greenhouse gas nitrogen emissions extensification. scheme must fertilised cut removed annual basis. longer-term take out its productivity raising level. Estonia carbon-rich reduce emissions. Beehive oilseed rape, © Jaan Liira Strategy reduction 20 cent 2030 losses 50 cent. further calls chemical pesticides sales antimicrobials farm animals. biodiversity-rich features (including set-aside) shall established 10 farmland until laid down Biodiversity 25 same date. Table specifically pesticide examined. reductions quantity applied, cases zero, increase efficiency application agro-chemicals. implies renouncing mineral fertilisers chemical-synthetic later (see 4) whole-farm approach, plots chosen farmers. “Les interrogés vert tout affichant diversité éco-régimes.” Besides 2, there others contain external inputs component. no allowed when participating ‘grazing grassland’ ‘forage bees’. addition pesticides, prohibition receiving diversification application. Austria, obtain crops if do these, prohibited Reduced Romania, main special position occupied closely interwoven standard ‘minimum share devoted features’ (GAEC 8). minimum percentage requirement been 4 commitments complement GAEC standard. One option offer opportunity mandatory (GAEC) commit devoting 7 combined. shows such intended obligation. quantitative areas, enhance value planned. flower receive financial Estonia, Germany, restricted enrolled entire stand-alone foraging bees possible melliferous plants pure mixed culture (i.e. together crops). As measure, hedgerow bonus voluntary top-up, combination Farmers 6 covered hedgerows. period, conversion second pillar CAP. continue possible. But always requires co-funding, 100 comes budget. 4, except financing shift included farms provision Bulgaria livestock. Bees plot, comparing great among becomes apparent. reflects differences settings, AECSs. At time, many derived existing and/or decide what results relating catch without disturbance, hardly represent enhancements apparent delicate situation. On one hand, backsliding compared achievements sufficiently attractive “All displaying design.” may high, earmarked could lead uptake commitment. With prospect reaching productive regions assumed positive effects achieved. Interestingly, crops. dominate opportunities participate. facilitated knowledge innovation (AKIS), element fostering training advice. Flowering Lower Saxony, Tania Runge Notes research funded Commission via sister (Environmental public goods From Farming Effective Contract Targeting) (CONtract SOLutions lasting agri-environmental-climate forestry) grant agreement No 817903 (EFFECT) 817949 (CONSOLE). authors thank anonymous reviewer Editor helpful comments suggestions improve manuscript. Open Access enabled organized Projekt DEAL. [Correction added 27 August first online publication: DEAL statement added.]