Agriculture & Land Management

Our Work

A solid evidence base on the impacts of different policy measures on the environment is essential to underpin arguments for further integration of environmental concerns into agricultural and other land management policies. To contribute to the development of this evidence base, IEEP is experienced in carrying out technical evaluations of a range of policy measures.

We have undertaken evaluations (both ex ante and ex post) of the environmental impacts of a range of policy measures under both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the CAP for DG Agriculture and Rural Development, DG Climate Action and DG Environment.  These include evaluations of cross-compliance, support for the livestock sector, less favoured areas support, differing levels of modulation, as well as the new CAP greening measures. We have also led assessments for national public bodies and NGOs.

More about our work in this area...

Latest in Policy Evaluation

  • Understanding the consequences of changing biomass demand for energy

    Understanding the consequences of increased biomass demand for energy on the environment is central to the development of future policy on renewable energy in Europe. This study seeks to help answer this need by modelling different levels of biomass demand for energy and the consequences for land use and forest based industries.

  • High Nature Value farming throughout EU-27 and its financial support under the CAP

    This study reviews Member States’ estimates of the extent of HNV farmland and use of RDP measures and the CMEF indicators, then identifies future priorities for CAP support for HNV farming and discusses the support opportunities under the reformed CAP. It offers detailed new evidence about the combined effect of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 CAP payments on the economic and environmental viability of a typical HNV farming system in three Member States.

  • New report: High Nature Value Farming in the EU

    Member States need to make the most of the opportunities under the new Common Agricultural Policy if the declines in HNV farming, critical for meeting our 2020 biodiversity targets, are to be halted.

  • Systemic approach to adaptation to climate change and renewable energy harnessing (Biomass and Mini-hydro)

    Biochar has the potential to both mitigate greenhouse gases, and to act as an adaptation measure in terms of responding to the impacts of climate change. Based on its compatibility with the appropriate soil properties, it could increase the resilience of soil to erosion.

  • Delivering environmental benefits through entry-level agri-environment schemes in the EU

    A new study of the 2007-13 agri-environment schemes across the whole of EU-27 provides the first typology of ‘entry-level’ agri-environment management and environmental objectives, plus a detailed insight into the design of entry-level agri-environment schemes and calculation of payment rates in seven Member States.

Highlights

  • Understanding the consequences of changing biomass demand for energy

    Understanding the consequences of increased biomass demand for energy on the environment is central to the development of future policy on renewable energy in Europe. This study seeks to help answer this need by modelling different levels of biomass demand for energy and the consequences for land use and forest based industries.