© European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, 2026; Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters via Unsplash
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Agri-food Sector
Recommendations for coherent EU policies
- Publication
- Citation
European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (2026) Climate adaptation and mitigation in the agri-food system: Recommendations for coherent EU policies. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2800/3706315
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) has published the report “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Agri-food Sector – Recommendations for a Coherent EU Policy”. The report calls on the EU to better integrate climate mitigation and adaptation across the entire value chain. Its aim is to safeguard food security, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and align the agri-food system with the EU’s climate goals.
Rising climate risks for the agri-food system
The EU agri-food system, spanning the value chain from fertiliser production to food consumption, plays a central role in food security and rural livelihoods, while accounting for roughly one-third of the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, with agricultural losses already reaching tens of billions of euros annually. According to the report, current policies are not sufficient to deliver the emission reductions and resilience needed to meet EU climate targets.
A systemic transition across the food system
The Advisory Board concludes that incremental improvements in technologies and farming practices will not be enough. Instead, a systemic transition across the entire agri-food system is required, including changes in production systems, land use and consumption patterns. Upcoming revisions of the EU budget, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU’s climate framework offer an important opportunity to better align agricultural policy with climate objectives.
The report outlines several policy recommendations, including:
- Phasing out CAP payments that incentivise the most greenhouse gas-intensive practices
- Introducing a greenhouse gas pricing mechanism for the agri-food system
- Providing targeted transition support for farmers
- Promoting healthy, climate-friendly diets and reducing food waste
- Ensuring sufficient public funding for the transition
The report emphasises that the transition must be gradual and fair, with targeted support for farmers and regions facing the greatest challenges.