A new statement by the European Commission recognizes that agriculture will be directly impacted by climate change.

The statement on the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change outlines how climate change is already impacting on Europe, with mitigation being a priority for the global community. It calls for action on planned adaptation approaches, including an exchange of best practice on how to adapt to climate change.

The communication from the commission is directed at the European parliament, the European Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The strategy is aimed at “enhancing the preparedness and capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change at local, regional, national and EU levels, developing a coherent approach and improving coordination”.

In an accompanying resource sheet, the Commission highlights examples of adaptation projects in EU Member States, including the development agroforestry systems in France. An estimated 3,000 hectares of agroforestry systems are currently planted in the country each year, and an anticipated 500,000 hectares of agroforestry schemes will be established within the next 25 years.

Agroforestry systems can be less vulnerable to climate change, providing shelter to crops and reducing the risks induced by high spring temperatures. One such system in Montpellier, which is driven by farmers and forest managers to provide a range of goods and services, mimics some features of a natural ecosystems.

View the resource sheet