2nd Thematic Group meeting on Just Transition in the Agri-Food System: the Role of the CAP

At the second meeting of the Thematic Group (TG), members explored the role that policy and governance structures can play in stimulating action, both on-farm and through the value chain, to enable a Just Transition in the agri-food system. They developed proposals to stimulate and mainstream this transition.

Kaley Hart (EU CAP Network) summarised the key outcomes of three online informal sessions held in April, which focused on:

Based on the informal discussions, three TG members then introduced examples of initiatives that promote a Just Transition on the ground. The EU CAP Network gave a brief overview of past activities and examples across the value chain that support transition to more sustainable agri-food systems.

Marta Gergely (Hungarian CAP Network) explained how the work of the Hungarian CAP Network, and in particular its Green Support Unit, helps farmers adopt more sustainable practices. The network focuses on soil health, as it is at the core of a resilient agricultural system. Marta highlighted that the most important driver for change is awareness and understanding of the impact of climate change. Peer learning, on-farm demonstration, and the organisation of events are the main activities carried out.

Emilie Rosselou (EUFarms, France) introduced the model of CUMAs (Coopératives d'Utilisation de Matériel Agricole). CUMAs are farmer-led cooperatives, organised across France, enabling farmers to share knowledge and to access highly specialised machinery that would otherwise be too costly. Emilie emphasised that these cooperative approaches help farmers overcome financial barriers by improving efficiency, sharing risks, and facilitating the transition towards more diversified and agroecological practices.

Moritz Stüber (DVL - Landcare Germany) presented examples of collective landscape-scale approaches in Germany developed by DVL to deliver agri-environmental goals at scale. Management structures organise and oversee participatory landscape planning, joint funding applications, advisory services, and coordinated implementation of AECM interventions. The examples show that landscape-scale cooperation can effectively implement complex measures, such as peatland rewetting, and improve ecological outcomes in vineyards, where individual action is limited.

Alistair Prior (EU CAP Network) provided examples from past EU CAP Network thematic activities that support value chain action enabling a Just Transition.

Based on the key themes emerging from the previous discussions, TG members were split into groups to develop proposals to enable and mainstream a Just Transition in the agri-food sector. The key ideas emerging under six main themes include:

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to how policy and governance structures can support a long-term transformation of the agri-food system. To stimulate the discussion, two presentations provided input on EU- and MS-level initiatives:

Maria Fuentes Merino (European Commission, DG AGRI) introduced the new CAP toolbox for agri-environmental and climate actions (AECA) and transition support proposed by the European Commission for the post-2027 CAP. It includes two different approaches:

MSs would be free to define which farming systems to support in their local context (subject to approval by the Commission). The individual farm holding would develop a transition plan to be assessed against performance-based indicators that can be achieved progressively over several years. To support MS in the future design of their AECA, the European Commission has developed a guidance document.

Anna Degn Hansen (Agency of Green Transition and Aquatic Environment, Denmark) introduced the Danish Tripartite Agreement, initiated in 2024. This collaborative framework brings together a wide range of stakeholders (governmental, agricultural, environmental and industrial representatives as well as trade unions and municipalities), which is seen as a key factor underpinning the plan’s robustness and political durability. The agreement addresses multiple environmental challenges simultaneously, including biodiversity and nature restoration, improved aquatic ecosystems, and reductions in agricultural emissions, combining regulatory measures with economic incentives.

A central component is the introduction of a CO₂ tax on agriculture, alongside a Green Land Fund involving targeted measures for taking land out of production, for example, for reforestation, wetland restoration, or peatland rewetting, primarily financed through the Danish state budget. A new nitrogen regulation introduces a paradigm shift in the way this issue is addressed: instead of uniform rules, farmers will be allocated quotas based on local conditions, which they can trade. Implementation is geographically differentiated, and a participatory approach is central: government agencies actively consult farmers and involve them early in the planning process, identifying which areas of land are to be taken out of production. Agricultural advisors are often involved as well, and help build trust and facilitate uptake.

Participants then discussed in small groups what governance arrangements would foster trust and ownership and support dialogue to move towards a Just Transition. They also reflected on the role of the CAP and other policies in this context.

Overall, TG members highlighted that a Just Transition requires:

This was the last meeting of the TG. All outputs and related resources are available – and regularly updated – on the page of the Thematic Group. A factsheet compiling the key enabling aspects for a Just Transition in the agri-food sector is under development.