Europe’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture as it faces mounting challenges from climate change. Rising temperatures, increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns, and the growing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves are placing unprecedented stress on food production systems. These climate-related threats are particularly severe in Southern Europe, where prolonged droughts and water scarcity have already led to significant reductions in crop yields. Meanwhile, Western and Northern Europe face increasing risks from intense precipitation and flooding, leading to soil erosion and damage to agricultural infrastructure. In Central-Eastern Europe, the escalating incidence of heatwaves and agricultural droughts is further undermining food security and economic stability. 

The concept of Climate-Resilient Agriculture has emerged as a key solution to this crisis, offering a comprehensive framework for enhancing the resilience of farming systems across Europe. The goal of Climate-Resilient Agriculture is to equip agricultural systems with the capacity to withstand climate-induced stressors while maintaining productivity and safeguarding food security.

Climate-resilient agricultural practices

Climate-Resilient Agriculture is built upon three core pillars: adaptation, productivity, and sustainability. These pillars collectively support resilient farming systems capable of withstanding climate change. Adaptation focuses on equipping agriculture with tools like drought-resistant crops, improved water management, and advanced technologies to cope with climate variability. Productivity ensures stable or enhanced agricultural yields under adverse conditions, using techniques such as precision farming and crop diversification. Sustainability emphasises environmentally responsible practices like soil conservation, water-efficient irrigation, and nature-based solutions, safeguarding long-term agricultural viability while reducing environmental impact. 

Supporting European agricultural and adaptation policy

The aim of this project is to examine how Climate-Resilient Agriculture can strengthen the capacity of European agricultural systems to withstand climate-related extreme weather events while maintaining productivity and supporting long-term sustainability. The project examines the evidence on these practices and their contribution to agricultural resilience in different European climate zones. Particular attention is given to soil health, water management, biodiversity and the protection of agricultural land. It identifies vulnerabilities, adaptive capacities and suitable responses for different European regions. Case studies illustrate how climate-resilient agricultural practices are already being implemented and provide insights into their effectiveness, scalability and potential transfer to other regions. The project also examines how Climate-Resilient Agriculture relates to key European policy frameworks, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU Adaptation Strategy and the European Green Deal, and develops recommendations for scaling and mainstreaming Climate-resilient agricultural practices across Europe.