Enhancing Climate Mitigation in Agriculture

Agriculture plays a central role in European climate policy, yet greenhouse gas emissions from farming in Central and Eastern Europe remain high and mitigation uptake is slow. The European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package, the Effort Sharing Regulation, the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Regulation and the Common Agricultural Policy require Member States to reduce agricultural emissions while safeguarding food production and farmers’ livelihoods.

The project addresses this challenge in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, where national climate and agricultural strategies highlight mitigation but lack effective implementation and farmer acceptance. It supports evidence-based climate action in agriculture by strengthening the link between science, policy and practice. The project contributes to national National Energy and Climate Plans and Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans by improving policy design, advisory systems and farmer engagement, and by supporting the implementation of the European Union Soil Strategy and Carbon Removal Certification Framework.

The project strengthens climate mitigation in agriculture by combining research, policy analysis and direct engagement with farmers and decision-makers. It identifies effective mitigation practices, such as improved soil management and low-emission farming techniques, and adapts them to local conditions in Central and Eastern Europe.

The project team analyses farmer decision-making, barriers and incentives through surveys, interviews and on-farm case studies. Universities and research institutes translate scientific evidence into practical guidance for advisors and farmers. National and European policy frameworks are reviewed to assess how well they reflect farmers’ realities and climate goals.

The project builds capacity through workshops, focus groups, advisory tools and demonstration activities. It facilitates structured dialogue between farmers, advisors, civil society organisations and ministries, and supports evidence-based policy recommendations at national and European level.

By connecting farm-level practice with policy development and advisory systems, the project increases acceptance of mitigation measures, improves policy effectiveness and strengthens the role of agriculture in achieving climate targets.