The integration of peatlands into the EU Common Agricultural Policy: Recent progress and remaining challenges

Abstract

The conservation and sustainable agricultural management of peatlands to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change are major challenges for the EU and its member states (MSs). Therefore, for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) period 2023–2027, the EU has developed a new policy framework to better integrate peatland protection and management. This paper reviews the policy framework of the CAP 2023–2027 with respect to peatland integration and the CAP Strategic Plans of all 27 EU MSs for its implementation. The analysis is based on five key issues: (1) the management practices established under the Good Agricultural and Ecological Condition 2 (GAEC 2) to protect wetlands and peatlands, (2) the year in which GAEC 2 will enter into force in the MS, (3) decisions regarding the eligibility of paludiculture products, (4) the integration of peatland-related measures into the eco-schemes under Pillar I of the CAP, and (5) specific measures under Pillar II of the CAP to support the sustainable management of peatlands. Our benchmark study highlights the important progress made in recent years and the remaining challenges. The CAP 2023–27 provides a completely new framework for the integration of peatlands by combining minimum regulatory standards and financial incentives to support better peatland management. A few frontrunner countries are fully employing the CAP's flexible instrument approach to peatland protection. However, most MSs are still in the early stages of integrating peatlands into their CAP strategic plans. Accordingly, the regulatory standard of GAE2 is not yet complemented by a wider range of financial incentives.