LIFE AgriAdapt

Sustainable Adaptataion of Typical EU Farming Systems to Climate Change

Field of action: Agriculture and Climate

Project goals: Demonstrate that the 3 main farming systems of the EU (arable, livestock and permanent crops) can become more climate resilient by implementing sustainable adaptation measures

Project area: Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Estonia)

Duration: September 2016 – December 2019

Background

Climate change is recognised as one of the most serious environmental, societal and economic challenges the world is facing, and agriculture the economic sector with the highest exposition to climate change. Until the end of the century, mainly negative impacts of climate change on agriculture have been predicted, which will enhance already existing environmental problems such as soil erosion and pest pressure. Therefore, agricultural adaptation needs to go beyond mere adjustments of current practices and has to be sustainable.

Implementation

A common decision tool, which analyses the climate change vulnerability, will be developed and implemented on 120 pilot farms in the four EU Climate Risk Regions. Based on this analysis, action plans will be developed with possible sustainable adaptation measures to reduce the farm’s vulnerability. Practicable sustainable adaptation measures will then be disseminated through mainstreaming and capacity building to political and agricultural stakeholders.

Lake Constance Foundation implements the project in the continental climate region (Germany).