Implementation practices of agroecology-relevant measures in national Common Agricultural Policies (CAPs) across the BIOEAST region
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been a key driver in developing agriculture and rural areas and ensuring food security in the European Union (EU) over the past decades. However, agriculture and food production are both major contributors and major victims of the escalating environmental crisis, such as climate change and the degradation of ecosystems. Therefore, in the repeated reforms of the EU’s CAP, there is a growing emphasis on ‘green’ requirements that facilitate the transition to sustainable practices and on specific environmental or nature conservation support.
Considering the green direction, as well as the new period and recent reform of the CAP 2023-2027, the BIOEAST Initiative contributed to connect its member states (11 Central and Eastern European countries) in sharing knowledge and country-specific good practices on how to use the CAP to support and incentivise the transition to sustainable agriculture highlighting agroecology-relevant measures.
In order to facilitate this, an online science-policy dialogue was organised on 9 October 2024 by the BIOEAST Agroecology Thematic Working Group, within the framework of the BOOST4BIOEAST project, to address the promotion of agroecology (or relevant sustainable measures) and its integration in national CAP Strategic Plans (SPs) and showcasing inspiring examples across the BIOEAST macro-region. The dialogue also aimed to reflect on the possible impact of recent CAP simplification measures on environmental requirements adopted by the European Commission in the BIOEAST countries.
Picture 1. Online science-policy dialogue on agroecology-relevant measures in national CAP SPs
The agenda included presentations by various experts, as well as policymakers and researchers. The first speaker was Emmanuel Petel (DG AGRI, European Commission), who gave an overview of the green architecture of the EU CAP, stressing the importance of environmental objectives and the proper allocation of resources. Emmanuel Petel elaborated on the CAP’s structure, detailing the budget distribution between Pillar One (direct payments, market measures) and Pillar Two (rural development), highlighting the main focus areas. The necessity for flexibility in defining agricultural areas to promote biodiversity and the importance of knowledge transfer between member states and farmers were also underlined. The last part of the presentation discussed the CAP’s performance so far and its latest assessment, as well as the next preparation period.
The presentation was followed by Krzysztof Krawczyk (Institute of Plant Protection, Poland), who presented research projects supporting the implementation of agroecology under the Polish CAP SP with a special focus on organic farming and innovative pest monitoring techniques. Ilona Kromāne (Ministry of Agriculture, Latvia) followed with an overview of Latvia’s agroecology measures
in the CAP SP, highlighting the eco-schemes and agri-environmental interventions. The successful uptake of these measures and the challenges faced in their implementation, particularly feedback from farmers’ side were also discussed.
The dialogue continued with presentations from representatives of Bulgaria and Hungary, discussing their respective CAP SPs and the emphasis on agroecology and sustainability. Mariya Hristova (Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Bulgaria) addressed the challenges of farmers in accessing subsidies, while Madarász István (Ministry of Agriculture, Hungary) highlighted the characteristics of the Hungarian eco-scheme model, the key points being summarised in Picture 2.
Picture 2. Main characteristics of the Hungarian Eco-Scheme model
As the last speaker, Péter Tóth (Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society) presented the expected effects of Hungarian CAP SP on the environment. In his presentation, he emphasised the need for cooperation between the agricultural and environmental sectors in order to implement CAP measures effectively.
The meeting also featured an open discussion at the end, allowing participants to engage with the speakers and ask questions. The session wrapped up with a discussion on livestock density regulations in relation to Latvia and the importance of clear communication regarding eco-scheme practices toward farmers.