Assessment of transition pathways for the agri-food sector

The study assesses mitigation and adaptation measures in the agri-food system and underlines agriculture’s key role in addressing climate change. The report assesses and compares different transition pathways for the agri-food sector, examining their assumptions and results related to greenhouse gas emissions and removals, technical mitigation options, demand-side measures, livestock development, land use and crop production, trade, income effects, and adaptation. It reviews nine scenario studies, covering diverse methodologies, long-term perspectives, and climate-focused storylines. As the agri-food sector accounts for more than 10% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, urgent action is needed to reduce its climate impact while strengthening its potential for carbon sequestration and the supply of renewable raw materials and bioenergy.

This report was prepared under the project “Provision of Technical Assistance on the Agri-Food System to the Secretariat of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change”, implemented in collaboration with Ramboll and Ecologic.