With the question about how to make agriculture more nature positive whilst improving farm economics unresolved, there has been a growing interest in regenerative agriculture. In this session, SYSTEMIQ presents a vision for a European agriculture system that is 75% regenerative by 2030. What would this mean for farmers, consumers, climate and nature? What would it take to get there? This session will introduce the vision, challenges, and critical interventions to shift the system, and invite reactions from across the European food and farming landscape.
European agriculture is at a crossroads. The Green Deal, 2030 climate plan, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies, as well as the proposed reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, have all contributed to defining the ambition, and even several elements of the delivery, of a more sustainable farming system in Europe. Arguably, however, this has not yet developed into a coherent or holistic approach necessary to command broad support from political and civil society leaders. Furthermore, private sector commitment will be essential both to align on the ambition and drive its delivery.
One approach which is currently attracting significant interest as a potential solution is the concept of regenerative agriculture. Many stakeholders have begun to argue that this could be the holistic approach which can deliver greater environmental sustainability for European agriculture and contribute to tackling climate change, as well as providing for safe, healthy, affordable food and improving farm economics.
With that in mind, SYSTEMIQ and partners are proposing a stretch target for the sector: to make 75% of European agriculture regenerative by 2030 and put in place the technical, financial and commercial building blocks to facilitate that transition. The purpose of this round table will be to present the vision, invite reactions to it and discuss what it will take to achieve.