Leveraging the Common Agricultural Policy to Accelerate Livestock Emission Reductions
- Publication
- Citation
Scheid A, Hart K, Pasmino J, Riedel A, Tremblay L-l, Durrant L (2025) Leveraging the Common Agricultural Policy to accelerate livestock emission reductions – examples from fie Member States, Ecologic Institute and IEEP
Cutting Livestock Emissions: Can the CAP Deliver?
EU agriculture is on the frontline of environmental and economic challenges. Farmers face mounting climate pressures while struggling to secure fair livelihoods. Livestock production alone makes up about 65% of the sector's greenhouse gas emissions. Without stronger action, agriculture will become the EU's largest emitting sector by 2040, responsible for up to 76% of emissions.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) could be a powerful tool for change. Yet so far, its impact on livestock emissions has been limited, with some measures still supporting intensive livestock systems. The EU's livestock sector has the potential to become more sustainable, resilient and fair while making a significant contribution to achieve climate neutrality in 2050.
On 25 September 2025, the Sowing Solutions: Science & Policy for a Sustainable and Thriving EU Agriculture event, organized by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe, explored these challenges. A dedicated session on "livestock methane in CAP Strategic Plans" brought together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to share evidence and discuss how the CAP can drive real impact. The goal was to spark fresh thinking, informed debate, and practical pathways forward.
At the event, Julia Bognar (IEEP) and Aaron Scheid (Ecologic Institut) presented key findings from their study Leveraging the Common Agricultural Policy to Accelerate Livestock Emission Reductions. Covering CAP Strategic Plans in Belgium-Flanders, France, Hungary, Poland, and Spain, the study found that while targeted interventions exist, they face financial barriers, administrative complexity, and limited uptake. To unlock progress, the report sets out 10 recommendations, from redirecting subsidies and strengthening incentives, to improving data, advisory services, and alignment with EU climate policy. The report also highlights best practices and innovative approaches that could be scaled up across Member States to accelerate livestock emission reductions.
Our colleague Aaron Scheid addressed how climate livestock action can make a significant contribution towards EU climate neutrality in 2050 and the role of the CAP strategic plans. He also discussed the importance of strengthening the business case for low emission livestock systems and highlighted how knowledge infrastructure and science-based approaches can shape the post-2027 CAP.
