Publications

Publication:Report
 
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.

Leveraging the Common Agricultural Policy to Accelerate Livestock Emission Reductions

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
With the 2027 deadline of the Water Framework Directive approaching and the new Nature Restoration Regulation mandating large-scale ecosystem recovery, the CAP’s role in safeguarding rivers, wetlands, and catchments has become critical. This Policy Working Paper argues that long-term agricultural resilience is inseparable from healthy freshwater ecosystems and illustrates how water restoration can be embedded in future agricultural policies to enhance water resilience.

Restoring Healthy Rivers and Wetlands

How can agricultural policies support the uptake of water resilient farming practices?

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Publication:Report
 
This report published under the EU-funded GoNaturePositive! project offers a comprehensive baseline assessment to support the transition toward a nature-positive economy. The report provides an in-depth analysis of EU policy instruments and co-operative initiatives, identifying their alignment with nature positive principles and opportunities to reduce environmental harm, restore ecosystems, and foster systemic change.

Mapping Policy and Co-operative Initiative Landscapes for Systemic Change Towards a Nature-positive Economy

GoNaturePositive! Report

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
The brief explores how EU policies can accelerate a nature-positive transition in agriculture – balancing food production with ecosystem health.

Agri-food Systems

Sectoral Brief

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of a TESS Briefing Note titled “Identifying and Tackling Environmentally Harmful Agricultural Subsidies in the WTO: Note on Greenhouse Gas Emissions” by Anthony Cox, published in May 2025. The cover features a photo of black and white dairy cows grazing on green grass.
Prepared by Anthony Cox (Senior Policy Advisor at Ecologic Institute), this briefing note offers an up-to-date overview of how the agricultural sector contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It identifies key social, economic, and environmental trade-offs and highlights the importance of context when assessing emission impacts. The note also provides guidance on prioritising reforms of agricultural subsidies.

Identifying and Tackling Environmentally Harmful Agricultural Subsidies in the WTO

Note on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report with colorful tiles showing photos of agricultural scenes in the background
The bioeconomy concept presents an attractive framework for policymakers in Europe, as it holds the potential to foster innovations that match specific community needs with regionally available resources. The SCALE-UP project aims to enhance the capacity and expertise of multi-actor partnerships to accelerate the development of market-ready bio-based products and services while facilitating their successful market deployment. Additionally, SCALE-UP strengthens collaboration among primary producers, SMEs, industry clusters, social actors, and policymakers, promoting a cohesive approach to innovation.

12 Small-scale Business Models Explored in the SCALE-UP Regions

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Publication:Report
 
The image shows a collage with two pictures: on the left, an aerial view of green, forested areas and wetlands, indicating nature-based carbon removal, and on the right, an industrial scene with large tanks and pipes, symbolizing technological carbon capture methods. The text below reads: 'Scaling up carbon dioxide removals. Recommendations for navigating opportunities and risks in the EU.' The image is from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
This report explores options for scaling up carbon dioxide removals in the EU, considering respective costs, risks and opportunities. This assessment, covering both carbon sinks in the land sector and novel solutions, involves analyses of the status and potential of carbon dioxide removals in the EU, key policy needs and gaps, as well as policy recommendations for a robust EU governance of carbon dioxide removals.

Scaling up Carbon Dioxide Removals

Recommendations for navigating opportunities and risks in the EU

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the CREDIBLE deliverable 2.1 entitled "Report on Options for Standards to Ensure Environmental Integrity and Uptake" authored by Ecologic Institute's Hugh McDonald, Julia Pazmino Murillo, Aaron Scheid (Ecologic Institute)
This Deliverable presents the work of the CREDIBLE Focus Group 2.1, "Minimum requirements to ensure carbon farming delivers sustainability benefits". The objective of the Focus Group and the goal of this document is to make recommendations on how the CRCF can maximize the positive impact of carbon farming on biodiversity, adaptation, water and other sustainability outcomes, at the same time as mitigating climate change.

Options for Standards to Ensure Environmental Integrity and Uptake

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Publication:Conference Paper
 
Cover of the conference documentation "Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt"
The symposium "The future task of a near-natural landscape water balance" of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) was organized by Ecologic Institute and took place on 18 April 2024, in Bonn. This publication summarises the most important contents of the conference as well as the research and implementation needs identified.

Zukunftsaufgabe naturnaher Landschaftswasserhaushalt

Ergebnisdokumentation zur BfN-Fachtagung am 18. April 2024

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the final report titled "Analysis of Ten Selected Crediting Methodologies for Climate-Friendly Soil Management," published by the German Environment Agency in February 2025.
This report, commissioned by the German Environment Agency and co-authored by Ecologic Institute, contains a detailed assessment of ten crediting methodologies on climate-friendly soil management measures. These crediting methodologies are examples of result-based payment and offsetting approaches to fund enhanced carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural practices. Our evaluation of these certification methodologies covers key aspects, including emission quantification, baseline setting, additionality, risk management, environmental and social impacts, and governance. We find many weaknesses with the assessed methodologies.

Analysis of ten Selected Crediting Methodologies for Climate-friendly Soil Management

Annex to the report "Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management"

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Publication:Report
 
The report, titled "Funding Climate-Friendly Soil Management: Appropriate Policy Instruments and Limits of Market-Based Approaches", is part of the Climate Change series (01/2025) and published by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt). It serves as a final report examining funding mechanisms for climate-friendly soil practices. The cover features a blue background with the agency's logo at the bottom.
Soils are vital for climate mitigation, storing substantial carbon. This report, co-authored by Ecologic Institute's Hugh McDonald, Aaron Scheid and Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, examines funding approaches to promote climate-friendly soil management in Europe, focusing on two models: action-based and result-based. Action-based funding supports specific activities but doesn't ensure measurable outcomes, while result-based funding ties payments to verified results, encouraging innovation but involving higher costs and monitoring. Result-based funding approaches can be challenging in the context of soil carbon, with offsetting approaches found to be particularly risky.

Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management

Appropriate policy instruments and limits of market-based approaches

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Publication:Report
 
Cover des Endberichts
Kemper, Melanie; Christin Dammann; Johanna Henkel; Juliane Petri 2024: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz in Brandenburg – Empfehlungen und Handreichungen. Ecologic Institut und Deutscher Verband für Landschaftspflege. Unpublished.

Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz in Brandenburg

Empfehlungen und Handreichungen

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Publication:Report
 
Cover des Teilberichts
Kemper, Melanie; Elisa Thomaset und Jennifer Reck 2024: Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz. Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern. Ecologic Institut, Berlin. Unpublished.

Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz

Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
A teal-colored policy brief cover titled "Ensuring carbon farming delivers sustainability benefits: Recommendations for carbon farming certification methodologies." It is associated with Project CREDIBLE, focused on building trust in soil carbon farming within the EU. The document notes European Union funding under Grant Agreement nº 101112951 and includes the project website link, www.project-credible.eu. Logos and design elements in the footer show a stylized "C" and patterns resembling leaves.
Carbon farming allows farmers to mitigate climate change, but these practices also impact other sustainability outcomes, including biodiversity, soil health, and water. In this brief, we propose how the EU's regulation establishing a Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF) can ensure that carbon farming also delivers sustainability benefits, in the context of carbon farming on mineral soils.

Ensuring Carbon Farming Delivers Sustainability Benefits

Recommendations for carbon farming certification methodologies

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of a report titled 'Neue Kooperationsformen für die Transformation regionaler Agri-Food-Systeme' (New forms of cooperation for the transformation of regional agri-food systems). The subtitle mentions that it is a compilation for the field of action 'Access to land.' The cover features the KOPOS logo, which shows a fork splitting a circle with 'Urban' and 'Rural' labels. Logos for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), FONA, and Stadt Land Plus are displayed at the bottom.
How can regional agricultural and food systems be made more sustainable? This report highlights new models of cooperation that bring together farmers, consumers and civil society actors to improve access to land and strengthen regional economic cycles. A key finding is that such co-operations are not only ecologically beneficial, but also create social and economic synergies for rural regions.

Neue Kooperationsformen für die Transformation regionaler Agri-Food-Systeme

Eine Zusammenstellung für das Handlungsfeld "Zugang zu Land"

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet ey objectives, main obstacles, main approaches, and knowledge exchange solutions involved in the process. It also includes a spotlight on Fusarium, a serious fungal disease affecting cereal crops. The infographic features images of Slovenia, dairy farming elements, and icons representing agronomic change, financial barriers, and technical, economic, and advisory solutions.
A family farm in Brežice, Slovenia, took the leap into organic agriculture to overcome high input costs, low economic viability, and limited control over their business. The SPRINT project is studying this farm to understand how the transition to organic farming – by eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, introducing crop rotations, and experimenting with new feeding strategies – can lead to a more sustainable and profitable operation. This case study highlights the challenges and successes of the farm in adopting an organic approach.

Organic Dairy Farming in Slovenia

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet titled 'Sustainable Fruit Production in Slovenia' from the SPRINT Success Stories series. The fact sheet focuses on the Fruit Centre Maribor's efforts to promote sustainable fruit production practices that minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides. It includes sections on the challenges, key objectives, main obstacles, overcoming barriers, agronomic solutions, and knowledge exchange solutions. It features images of Slovenia, various fruits, and icons representing agronomic change...
In Slovenia, the Fruit Centre Maribor is dedicated to promoting sustainable fruit production practices while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. The SPRINT project studies the Centre's work to understand how the use of more resistant fruit varieties, self-developed plant-based pesticides, and improved soil quality can contribute to more sustainable cultivation. This case study explores the challenges and solutions the Centre has encountered in implementing sustainable methods in fruit production.

Sustainable Fruit Production in Slovenia

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet titled 'Food Value Chains for Leveraging Clean Drinking Water in Rennes, France' from the SPRINT Success Stories series. The infographic describes the 'Terres de Sources' initiative in Rennes, France, which uses public procurement to promote good agricultural practices to protect drinking water quality. It includes sections on the challenge, key objectives, main obstacles, policy solutions, and knowledge exchange solutions. The fact sheet features images of France, a farmer's market.
The city of Rennes in France faces the challenge of securing the quality of its drinking water, as intensive agricultural practices have led to significant pollution of water resources. As part of the "Terres de Sources" initiative, which was studied within the SPRINT project, sustainable solutions have been developed to improve drinking water quality through environmentally friendly agricultural practices while also promoting local food production and marketing. This case study illustrates how the initiative successfully implements measures to reduce pesticide use and promote sustainable value chains.

Food Value Chains for Leveraging Clean Drinking Water in Rennes, France

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet detailing the promotion of good agricultural practices in vineyards at St. Emilion, France. It highlights the challenges of pesticide use in vineyards, key objectives such as implementing a holistic environmental program, and the regulatory solutions including compulsory certification.
The vineyards of St. Emilion, France, face significant challenges due to the reliance on pesticides, particularly given the region's susceptibility to mildew. However, the winegrowers of St. Emilion have successfully committed to a sustainable future by implementing stringent environmental regulations and significantly reducing pesticide use. This case study highlights the initiatives and successes achieved in the region, which aims to promote sustainable practices in viticulture.

Promoting Good Agricultural Practices in Vineyards, St Emilion, France

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of the report titled 'Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung eines nachhaltigen und gesellschaftlich akzeptierten Unterbodenmanagements in Deutschland' (Recommendations for the Implementation of a Sustainable and Socially Accepted Subsoil Management in Germany). Key recommendations are listed, focusing on political frameworks, value chains, collaboration with practitioners, legal clarity, and further research support.
This policy brief outlines recommendations for sustainable and socially accepted subsoil management in Germany. Subsoil, located below the plowed topsoil layer, holds essential nutrients and water reserves crucial for plant growth and sustainable bioeconomy practices. The Soil³ project (2015–2025) investigated methods to enhance subsoil usage, focusing on increasing plant root access to this layer without compromising its ecological functions.

Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung eines nachhaltigen und gesellschaftlich akzeptierten Unterbodenmanagements in Deutschland

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of a policy brief titled "How to support the transition towards climate friendly and resilient agri-food systems in Central Eastern Europe?" featuring various agricultural images, including people in a field, flowers, cattle grazing, crops, and harvested vegetables. Logos at the bottom include Ecologic, Institute for European Environmental Policy, and Robert Bosch Stiftung.
This policy brief highlights the need for a systemic and integrated approach to support the transition to climate friendly and resilient agri-food systems in CEE countries. The brief underlines how the key policy instruments that countries have at their disposal – the Common Agricultural Policy, National Energy and Climate Plans, and policies to support sustainable food consumption – can be better used to support such an integrated approach. Finally, the brief points to the importance of setting clear goals, as well as developing societal support, and capacities for the transition.

How to Support the Transition Towards Climate Friendly and Resilient Agri-food Systems in Central Eastern Europe?

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Publication:Article
 
In this article, the authors, including Anthony Cox of Ecologic Institute, highlight there is little appetite among WTO members for modernizing multilateral subsidy rules at a time when many countries are introducing new forms of support that could potentially exacerbate existing policy disincentives for globally sustainable economic and environmental outcomes.

Practical First Steps Towards Comprehensive Subsidy Reform

Expert View

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Publication:Article
 
Journal Paper in Wasserwirtschaft
Due to climate change, water retention in landscapes is gaining increasing relevance alongside flood protection. Various measures can improve the landscape water balance or enhance the resilience of land ecosystems against extreme weather events caused by floods and droughts. The authors have compiled a catalog of 69 measures in the UBA project WADKlim. These measures mostly originate from good practices in water management, agriculture, and forestry in Germany and have been evaluated based on their local impacts and implementation-relevant conditions.

Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Wasserrückhalts in der Landschaft

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Publication:Infographic
 
Diagram illustrating the key hydrological parameters of water retention, including evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration, soil water retention, groundwater recharge, and discharge.
The infographic illustrates the key hydrological parameters that influence the water balance in ecosystems. The water cycle is illustrated, starting with precipitation through various phases such as evaporation, transpiration, surface runoff, seepage water movements and the recharge of groundwater. These processes are fundamental to understanding water cycles and their significance for the environment and climate. The visualization makes it clear how precipitation is filtered through the different earth layers and ultimately contributes to the replenishment of groundwater.

Modell der wichtigsten hydrologischen Parameter des Wasserrückhalts

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the KOPOS working paper entitled 'KOPOS criteria set for sustainability and transformation impacts for sustainability initiatives in the food sector'. The graphic shows a fork passing through a circle with the words 'URBAN' and 'RURAL', indicating the link between urban and rural issues. At the bottom are the logos of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, FONA (Research for Sustainability) and STADT LAND PLUS.
The KOPOS criteria set serves to make the sustainability and transformation impacts of initiatives in the food sector measurable and visible. It provides a basis for evaluating and improving the sustainability of projects, and is useful both for initiatives themselves and for institutions wishing to promote sustainability projects. In addition to the actual set of criteria, this working paper provides an introduction and a derivation of the criteria.

KOPOS Criteria Set for Sustainability and Transformation Impacts for Sustainability Initiatives in the Food Sector

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Publication:Document
 
The sustainability and transformation effects of sustainability initiatives can be summarized using this set of criteria and provides a range of possible indicators for recording them. The set of criteria is specifically tailored to sustainability initiatives in the food sector. The criteria were derived from the UN Sustainability Goals and adapted for the topic of food systems. In addition to the conventional three levels of sustainability (economic, ecological and social), the criteria set also offers selected transformation criteria, i.e. they can be used to record the "transformative potential" that a sustainability initiative can develop.

KOPOS- Sustainability and Transformation Criteria Set for Sustainability Initiatives in the Agri-food Sector

Dataset

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Securing agricultural land is a relevant challenge. The authors of the policy brief see a number of different approaches to safeguarding agricultural areas against other land use claims and are primarily addressing the state and municipal levels. The authors argue that the topics of agriculture, food, sustainability and rural development should be more closely integrated. They also recommend using spatial planning instruments to curb the current consumption of agricultural land and thus protect it from conversion.

The BIG FIVE – Regionale Ernährung und Flächenentwicklung zusammendenken!

Handlungsempfehlungen für die Region Berlin-Brandenburg

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Informative flyer for the European Union's 'EU Missions Soil Deal for Europe' with a publication date of November 2023. The top features the EU flag and the title 'EU Missions', with a circular graphic representing soil and plant growth. The main header reads 'Mission Soil Manifesto: a growing community of Soil Friends and Signatories'. Below, the flyer provides a summary of the 'Mission Soil' initiative, highlighting its objectives like fostering awareness and action, community building.
Ecologic Institute and Ecorys are working hand in hand to support the Mission Soil by identifying key stakeholders who take ownership, building their commitment, and creating a network of Mission Soil Ambassadors. Our efforts are reflected in the latest fact sheet, which shows more individuals and organisations joining in to endorse the Mission Soil Manifesto and promote healthier soil. The manifesto is a call to action for regional and local policymakers, citizens, and various stakeholders like farmers, educators, and companies to come together voluntarily and focus on improving soil health. Those who sign up commit to raising awareness, encouraging innovation, and taking practical steps to protect and restore soil, all without any legal obligations.

Mission Soil Manifesto

A growing community of soil friends and signatories

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report for the European Union "Mapping and Analysis of CAP Strategic Plans. Assessment of joint efforts for 2023-2027.
In this study published by the European Commission, a first assessment is made of the strategic decisions made by Member States for the use of EUR 307 billion in support of agriculture and rural areas between 2023 and 2027. It maps the choices made in the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) approved in December 2022 and analyses the joint efforts and potential impacts of Member States’ choices in relation to the nine specific objectives and the cross-cutting objective, with a focus on selected Green Deal targets.

Mapping and Analysis of CAP Strategic Plans

Assessment of joint efforts for 2023-2027

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Publication:Report
 
Report cover with a deep teal background. At the top, a small white circular logo with a stylized image of the Earth. Below the logo, in large, white, sans-serif font, the title 'Pricing agricultural emissions and rewarding climate action in the agri-food value chain'. At the bottom of the cover, the company logo 'Trinomics' with its characteristic half-circle colored graphic.
The agriculture and land sectors must mitigate greenhouse gas emissions for the EU to meet its climate targets. In a new report published by the European Commission's DG CLIMA, Ecologic Institute, IEEP, and Trinomics investigate how an emissions trading system (ETS) could price greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, and how this can be accompanied by providing farmers and other landowners with financial incentives to carry out land-based carbon removals.

Pricing Agricultural Emissions and Rewarding Climate Action in the Agri-food Value Chain

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
1st page of Ecologic Institute's policy brief "Food, agriculture and climate at COP28 – and beyond"
As governments engage in final preparations for COP28 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Presidency continues to prioritise its Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda. The aim to have governments at COP28 commit to integrating sustainable agriculture in their national climate agendas is welcome, timely and essential. But, it would need to be part of a larger effort to modernise agricultural policy, particularly with respect to agricultural subsidies and the role of private sector collaboration. This policy brief highlights priority areas in moving from political declarations to concrete action.

Food, Agriculture and Climate at COP28 – and beyond

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Publication:Fact Sheet
 
Fact sheet of the ALL-Ready project titled 'Lessons Learnt from the ALL-Ready Pilot Network'. The header features the ALL-Ready logo next to Ecologic Institute's logo. The text is divided into sections that provide a summary and background, problem description, solution approaches, and benefits of the network. A small photo shows network members visiting an Open Lab. Key points are highlighted with red bullets. The source citation and the year 2023 are at the bottom of the document.
Discover valuable insights from the collaboration of the ALL-Ready Pilot Network, which included 20 members across 13 partner countries. This factsheet offers essential recommendations, derived from the challenges of the pilot project, for establishing the European Network of Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures.

Lessons Learnt from the ALL-Ready Pilot Network

Fact Sheet for living labs, research infrastructures, agroecology networks and similar open innovation arrangements

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Publication:Infographic
 
Illustration of multifunctional measures for urban infrastructure that combine water retention and greening. It shows green roofs, green facades, photovoltaic systems, permeable pavements, deep beds with retention space, multifunctional retention areas and a cistern for rainwater utilization. Benefits include improved air quality, noise reduction, heat reduction and resource conservation. Source: Ecologic Institute and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.
Ecologic Institute conceived and designed several infographics for the update of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg. These visualise some of the thematised climate impacts on the various fields of action and support the understanding of the content. The infographics are designed in accordance to the project's style guidelines.

Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg – Infographic Series

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy paper "Transforming EU land use and the CAP: a post-2024 visioni"
This paper makes a proposal for how future EU agricultural policy and particularly funding structures should evolve to better reflect sustainability challenges whilst supporting farmers and other land managers in a transition that also ensures viable businesses and vibrant rural areas. This is intended as a contribution to a wider debate on the future of EU food systems.

Transforming EU Land Use and the CAP: A post-2024 vision

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the "Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung
Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This compact information highlights the measures from the state strategy in which municipalities have an important role to play. It is intended to help them define and implement, or work towards implementing, the measures necessary for their local conditions and risks. It provides a compact overview for municipalities on their way to adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Kompaktinformation für Kommunen: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the short version "Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg. Fortschreibung"
The adaptation strategy provides the framework for the adaptation activities of the state of Baden-Württemberg and serves as a basis for implementation, especially for administration, municipalities and the economy. Due to changing climatic conditions, the state government of Baden-Württemberg committed to update its adaptation strategy in 2023. This short version summarizes the contents of the adaptation strategy.

Kurzfassung: Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the strategy paper
Ecologic Institute provided editorial and graphical support for the update of the adaptation strategy in Baden-Württemberg. Using graphical elements and a well-designed reader guidance, the reading orientation was improved and the visual quality of the document was increased. In addition to the graphic design, Ecologic Institute provided support for the drafting of several chapters, e.g. on climate change impacts, summarized sectoral adaptation challenges and developed an abridged version of the update of the adaptation strategy.

Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel in Baden-Württemberg – Fortschreibung

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Umweltdelikte 2021"
This publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2010 and 2020, with a supplementary presentation for the year 2021, based on data from the police crime statistics ("Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik"), as well as statistics from the Federal Statistical Office's criminal prosecution ("Strafverfolgungsstatistik"). The report provides both an overview of general trends and an in-depth account of individual environmental offences. Additionally, the publication contains data on administrative offences relating to the trafficking of protected species. The report was prepared by a team from Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency.

Umweltdelikte 2021

Auswertung von Statistiken

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Publication:Report
 
Revising soil protection law
This draft report compiles seven legal discussion papers that were produced as part of a research project for the Federal Environment Ministry on modernising soil protection law. The discussion papers serve as a technical basis for preparing a draft bill and address the challenges identified by the BMUV in an evaluation (white paper of March 2022). The discussion papers elaborate several options and explain their pros and cons. They are intended to stimulate a broader technical discussion on soil protection law.

Überarbeitung des Bodenschutzrechts – Diskussionspapier

Ergebnisse zu ausgewählten Rechtsfragen

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Publication:Article
 
1st page of the research article "The role of public consultations in decision-making on future agriculturalpesticide use: insights from European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy public consultation"
Newly published research from SPRINT explores the extent to which public consultations likely contribute to democratic decision-making surrounding agricultural pesticide use. Through a critical discourse analysis of submissions to the public consultation concerning the European Union’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the authors, among them Ecologic Institute's Dr. Ana Frelih-Larsen, examine the role of public consultations as a democratic process and the extent to which their non-deliberative nature advances solutions to contentious and complex challenges.

The Role of Public Consultations in Decision-making on Future Agricultural Pesticide Use

Insights from European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy public consultation

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Publication:Document
 
Cover MoorNet Kommunikationsstrategie
Lehmann, Karl, Melanie Kemper, Rebecca Noebel & Jennifer Reck 2023: Kommunikationskonzept MoorNet - Kommunikation zur Umsetzung der nationalen Moorschutzstrategie und Vernetzung der Akteure in Deutschland. Ecologic Institut. Berlin. Unpublished

Kommunikationskonzept MoorNet

Kommunikation zur Umsetzung der nationalen Moorschutzstrategie und Vernetzung der Akteure in Deutschland

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the interim report "Funding climate-friendly soil management: Risks and key issues. Key issues to be considered in the design of funding instruments"
This report summarises key aspects that should be accounted for in the design of policy instruments to support the implementation of climate-friendly soil management measures. It outlines overarching aspects that need to be considered for any type of policy instruments, including land use competition, impacts on soil health, biodiversity impacts, ownership and rights to use of soils and social impacts.

Funding Climate-friendly Soil Management: Risks and key issues

Key issues to be considered in the design of funding instruments

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Publication:Report
 
Briefing CAP Strategic Plans Scheid Aaron
This report, co-authored by Aaron Scheid from Ecologic Institute, summarises the results of a series of assessments of the climate and environmental ambition of the Common Agricultural Policy's (CAP) Strategic Plans. It is based on the detailed study of four Member States (France, Spain, Poland and Germany). The analysis suggests that, while the new CAP structure provides more flexibility to Member States, countries did not take this opportunity to significantly increase support for environmental and climate action.

Environmental and Climate Assessments of CAP Strategic Plans

Summary of Impact Based on Four Key Member States

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Publication:Article
 
screen shot of the online article's header
The German CAP Strategic Plan has the potential for an ambitious CAP 2023 to 2027. While the debate on the next CAP post-2027 is already starting, in this article Aaron Scheid and Sophie Ittner from Ecologic Institute argue that the German government needs to exploit all potential in the current CAP to increase the ambition towards more climate change mitigation and the protection and enhancement of natural resources and biodiversity. The coalition agreement gives them the mandate to do so.

The German CAP Strategic Plan

The ambition has yet to come

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Publication:Report
 
Cover Page of Report on: Environment and climate assessment of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan
This assessment identifies the likely contribution of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan to climate mitigation and adaptation, natural resources, and biodiversity protection. Overall, the findings are that the Plan is insufficient to respond to the country's needs in relation to environment and climate challenges.

Environment and Climate Assessment of Poland's CAP Strategic Plan

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of Scale Up report featuring colorful tiles with agricultural motifs
This framework sets out a holistic approach to foster community-driven bioeconomy development across six rural European areas. Building on a four-phase methodology – establishing regional knowledge and platforms; cross-regional knowledge transfer; creation of a pan-European Community of Practice; and dissemination – the report aligns with the European Green Deal and the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It identifies relevant biomass streams (from sawdust and agricultural residues to hemp and olive by-products) and outlines valorization options that drive local innovation while respecting ecological limits.

Conceptual Framework for the Design and Implementation of Participatory Activities in the SCALE-UP Regions

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Publication:Report
 
Pay as you eat meat Report Aaron Scheid CE Delft
Animal products are an essential part of today's German diet, but they are associated with a variety of environmental problems, such as global warming, eutrophication of soils and waters, etc.. These cause external costs. The study, co-authored by Aaron Scheid and Benjamin Görlach of Ecologic Institute, estimates these external costs for animal products and examines policy measures to address them.

Pay as You Eat Dairy, Eggs and Meat

External Cost Estimates and Policy Options to Internalise Them in Germany

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Carbon farming co-benefits. Approaches to enhance and safeguard biodiversity"
In a report co-authored by Ecologic Institute and IEEP, we demonstrate that despite both the potential benefits and risks of carbon farming for biodiversity, most of the current carbon farming mechanisms fail to safeguard biodiversity and incorporate approaches to ensure net positive biodiversity impacts. We identify challenges and opportunities for implementing standards for biodiversity into carbon farming mechanisms and propose requirements to ensure that carbon farming standards enhance and safeguard biodiversity, alongside delivering climate change mitigation.

Carbon Farming Co-benefits

Approaches to enhance and safeguard biodiversity

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Role of soils in climate change mitigation"
This report examines the mitigation potential of climate friendly soil management practices at global, EU and German level, along with key management measures, their co-benefits and trade-offs, and implementation challenges.

Role of Soils in Climate Change Mitigation

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover of the case study on Germany "Species protection rules under the Birds and Habitats Directives: how effectively are they integrated into sectoral policies?"
The Ecologic Institute undertook a comprehensive country study for Germany focusing on the integration of species protection rules, specifically within agricultural sectors, under the Birds and Habitats Directives. Engaging with over 20 national and regional experts, the study probed the implications of Article 12 and 13 of the Habitats Directive (HD) and Article 5 of the Birds Directive (BD), focusing on how thoroughly the regulations are transposed into national law, to reveal what efforts are being made to provide information about them to farmers and enforce them and to evaluate assessment and authorisation procedures.

Species Protection Rules under the Birds and Habitats Directives – Agriculture: Country studies

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of the ALL-Ready Project Deliverable 3.1 document, titled 'Stakeholder engagement plan'. The page is headed by the ALL-Ready logo with a dotted leaf design. Below the logo, it states 'ALL-Ready – The European Agroecology Living Lab and Research Infrastructure Network: preparation phase'. The authors and contributors are listed, followed by a table with the Deliverable Number (D3.1), Work Package (WP3), Type (Report), Dissemination level (Public), Leader (EV ILVO), etc.
This document outlines detailed information on stakeholder engagement activities within the ALL-Ready project. The objective of the stakeholder engagement plan is to guarantee a coordination and alignment of stakeholder engagement during all project activities.

Stakeholder Engagement Plan – ALL-Ready

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Publication:Video
 
The two-year "Soil Mission Support: Towards a European Research and Innovation Roadmap for Soils and Land Management" project supported the European Union's A Soil Deal for Europe mission on soil health and nutrition and the European Green Deal to facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This animated video demonstrates the importance of healthy soils, the nature of "lighthouses" and where to find them, as well as their contributions to healthy soils. The video was created in cooperation between Ecologic Institute and INRAE.

Transition Towards Healthy Soils Through Living Labs and Lighthouses

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Publication:Postcard
 
For the project "New Cooperation for Sustainable Landuse and Food Supply in Urban-Rural Areas (KOPOS)", Ecologic Institute designed a ten-part postcard series. The postcard series promotes the first two episodes of the four-part KOPOS podcast series "Ernährungswende – Regional gedacht". In it, the focus of the two model projects (1) regional nutrition in Freiburg and (2) access to farmland in Brandenburg are discussed. The postcards are designed according to the project's style guidelines and also include a QR code to the corresponding podcast episode.

New Cooperation for Sustainable Landuse and Food Supply in Urban-Rural Areas – Ten-part postcard series

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the study "Alternativen zu chemisch-synthetischen Pestiziden in der Landwirtschaft. Zusammenfassung und Überblick zum aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Stand", with logo of BUND. Background image: Cornflower in a grain field
The study for BUND provides scientific input for the discussion on more environmentally friendly crop protection in the future. It provides an overview of the potentials and barriers associated with alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides, as well as approaches on the implementation of integrated pest management that have so far been given too little consideration. The study is available for download.

Alternativen zu chemisch-synthetischen Pestiziden in der Landwirtschaft

Zusammenfassung und Überblick zum aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Stand

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Publication:Article
 
In her plans for 2023 addressed to the EU Parliament, President of the EU Commission von der Leyen did not mention the proposal for a Sustainable Food System legislative framework (SFSF). This created speculation about the timeframe of this key proposal, which has been put forward as a cornerstone of the EU Green Deal for the agri-food sector. This blogpost, co-signed by members of the Think Sustainable Europe network, underlines the importance of the SFSF to be proposed next year in order to drive a sustainable transition of the EU food system, given the urgency of such a transition.

Why an EU Framework for Sustainable Food is Crucial for Climate, Biodiversity and Competitiveness

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Publication:Infographic
 
Infographic "Übersicht nicht chemischer Pflanzenschutzmaßnahmen"
The discussion about possible alternatives to conventional pesticides has gained momentum in recent years with the announcement of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy. The European Commission proposes a 50 percent reduction in synthetic and hazardous pesticides by 2030. But what are possible alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides? This infographic from Ecologic Institute shows indirect and direct non chemical crop protection measures.

Übersicht nicht chemischer Pflanzenschutzmaßnahmen

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Publication:Book
 
Book cover "Water Resources Allocation and Agriculture Transitioning from Open to Regulated Access"
In this open access book, Dr. Josselin Rouillard together with Christina Babbitt (Environment Defense Fund, U.S.), Edward Challies (University of Canterbury, New Zealand) and Jean-Daniel Rinaudo (BRGM, France) compile an international account of water allocation policies supporting a transition to sustainable water use in regions where agriculture is the dominant water use.

Water Resources Allocation and Agriculture

Transitioning from Open to Regulated Access

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Publication:Podcast
 
In the fourth episode of the "Green Deal – Big Deal?" podcast, we ask our expert guests about the food systems approach adopted by the "Farm to fork" strategy and investigate how the strategy will impact producers, consumers and the global food markets. We discuss strategies to address food waste and explore why meat is a politically sensitive topic.

Farm to Fork: Feeding a continent without wrecking a planet

Fourth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the publication titled "The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services: An economic valuation for Germany" by Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., and Kiresiewa, Z. The report is part of the BonaRes Series, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The cover features the BonaRes logo and a geometric design in blue, green, and white tones.
How does subsoil management affect the provision of ecosystem services – and what is its economic value to society? These questions are at the heart of a study by Sophie Ittner, Holger Gerdes and Zoritza Kiresiewa from Ecologic Institute. Using a Benefit Transfer approach, the authors assess the societal costs and benefits of two subsoil management practices in German agriculture. The results demonstrate that sustainable subsoil management can generate not only ecological, but also substantial economic value – offering important insights for targeted support through agri-environmental policy.

The Impact of Subsoil Management on the Delivery of Ecosystem Services

An economic valuation for Germany

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