Overcoming barriers to achieving a Net Zero agri-food sector

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change have become central to global food security. Whilst there is no legal requirement to reach Net Zero, for many countries, agriculture’s role within a Net Zero food system is fundamental, but this role presents unique challenges across the agri-food sector.

Published in Environmental Science & Policy, this research explores the barriers that can slow progress towards a Net Zero agri-food sector. Supported with evidence from existing research, policy analysis and case studies from across Europe, including the UK, Ireland and Denmark, the paper then considers how these might be addressed through policy and practice.

The study identifies a series of interconnected challenges that affect the transition to Net Zero. These include:

• Policy and governance;
• Measurement, reporting and verification (MRV);
• Economic and market constraints;
• Knowledge exchange; and
• Behavioural and social factors

Importantly, the paper also develops practical recommendations around strengthening farm-level MRV, improving integration with national carbon inventories, developing more farmer-centred policy approaches, strengthening multi-actor collaboration, and building trust and long-term engagement with farmers

To read the full report, follow this link.