Solutions for restoring Europe’s agricultural ecosystems

This briefing presents evidence-based examples of key options to help restore Europe’s agro-ecosystems and ecosystem services and enhance agricultural resilience and productivity. It is published in the context of the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) and the recently-adopted Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR).

Key messages

• Scaling up biodiversity-friendly farming practices is important for supporting agricultural sustainability and resilience, reducing both production and economic risks in Europe. However, two-thirds of the EU’s agriculture-dependent habitats are in ‘bad’ conservation status (EEA, 2020).
• Agricultural practices can deliver greater resilience and restore agro-ecosystems by integrating three actions: (1) improving the condition of semi-natural habitats; (2) (re-)establishing multifunctional, biodiverse agricultural landscapes; and (3) reducing pressures on biodiversity while managing soil and water sustainably.
• EU Member States’ CAP strategic plans currently contain policy measures for biodiversity-friendly practices to varying degrees. Enhanced and coherent policy incentives combined with adequate financing are needed to efficiently restore agro-ecosystems.