Why Europe’s regenerative agriculture needs clearer rules and faster action – Euractiv

Regenerative Agriculture and the Sustainable Development Goals in EU Policy

Introduction

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a significant topic within European Union (EU) policy debates, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite its growing prominence in discussions on soil health, sustainable water management, climate action, and farm resilience, regenerative agriculture remains largely absent from binding legislation and is often poorly defined at the policy level. This report highlights the current state of regenerative agriculture in the EU, emphasizing its alignment with the SDGs and the need for coherent policy frameworks to support its expansion.

Current Policy Landscape and Challenges

1. Policy Recognition but Limited Definition: Regenerative agriculture is increasingly mentioned in EU policy discussions but lacks a common, results-based definition, leading to uneven understanding and implementation.
2. Role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Presently, regenerative approaches are mainly addressed through the CAP, especially via eco-schemes and second pillar measures. However, this approach alone is insufficient to scale regenerative agriculture effectively.
3. Risk of Dilution: There is a risk that regenerative agriculture becomes diluted within existing agricultural frameworks, losing its transformative potential by being reduced to a checklist of practices rather than a system-level shift.

Recommendations for Policy Enhancement

• Establish a Common, Outcome-Based Definition: Regenerative agriculture should be defined by measurable outcomes such as improved soil health, increased soil organic carbon, enhanced water retention, and greater biodiversity, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Develop a Coherent Policy Mix: Policies should encourage protective, science-based climate and environmental practices and support sustainable production systems, including organic and agroecological models.
• Align Funding and Support: Better coordination of CAP funding with circular economy and bioeconomy policies is essential, alongside reinforced advisory services, peer-to-peer networks, and targeted research and innovation investments.
• Adopt Outcome-Oriented Incentives: Shift from administratively easy actions to rewarding long-term ecological performance to ensure genuine improvements in ecosystem functioning.

Private Sector Engagement and Financial Innovation

The financial sector increasingly recognizes regenerative agriculture as a risk management strategy in the face of climate change, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Healthier soils and better water management reduce vulnerability to climate-induced shocks, stabilizing agricultural production over time.

• Several commercial banks, especially in France, have introduced financial products such as preferential loans and sustainability-linked instruments based on soil health and resilience indicators.
• These market-driven initiatives highlight the need for a clear and credible public framework to ensure coherence and accessibility.

Integration with Existing Agricultural Practices

Many organic farms in the EU already employ practices consistent with regenerative principles, including diversified crop rotations, permanent soil cover, and reduced synthetic input use. This overlap suggests potential for scaling regenerative agriculture from existing foundations, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Comparative Perspective and Market Dynamics

• The EU’s regulatory framework for regenerative agriculture remains cautious and at an early stage compared to countries like the United States.
• Despite this, parts of the agri-food industry are proactively integrating regenerative criteria into supplier contracts, indicating a divergence between regulatory timelines and market practices.
• This mismatch underscores the urgency for clearer, outcome-based public guidance to support the transition.

Conclusion: Towards a Transformative EU Agricultural Policy

Europe’s strength lies in policy continuity, but the challenge is to harness this strength to support genuine transformation aligned with the SDGs. Regenerative agriculture must move beyond being a marginal add-on within the CAP and instead be integrated with broader frameworks addressing climate, water management, the circular economy, bioeconomy, and carbon removal strategies.

Without such coherence, regenerative agriculture risks remaining fragmented and failing to deliver resilient, sustainable food systems that contribute to multiple SDGs including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Europe possesses the necessary tools and funding to support this transition. The critical question remains whether these resources will be effectively deployed to foster real change rather than incremental compliance. The potential for soil recovery and ecosystem regeneration exists; the future of European agricultural policy will determine if this potential is realized.

Author

Stoyan Tchoukanov, President of the Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment section of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses sustainable food production and farm resilience, which are key to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Sustainable water management and improved water retention are emphasized as critical components of regenerative agriculture.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights the need for sustainable, holistic systems of production and circular economy policies.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – Climate action is a core theme, with regenerative agriculture seen as a way to manage climate risks and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning connects directly to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • 2.4 – By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
   • 2.5 – Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, and farmed animals.
2. SDG 6 Targets:
   • 6.4 – Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
   • 6.6 – Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
3. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.2 – Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • 12.5 – Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.1 – Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • 15.3 – Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Soil Health Indicators:
   • Soil organic carbon levels – mentioned as a measurable signal of resilience and soil health improvement.
   • Soil cover – referenced in relation to sustainable water management and soil protection.
2. Water Management Indicators:
   • Water retention capacity – improved water retention is highlighted as a key outcome.
   • Reduction in water-related climate shocks – implied through better water management practices.
3. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning Indicators:
   • Increased biodiversity levels – used as a measurable outcome of regenerative agriculture.
   • Indicators reflecting ecosystem functioning and resilience.
4. Financial and Risk Management Indicators:
   • Use of sustainability-linked financial instruments based on soil and resilience-related indicators.
   • Reduction in yield losses and stabilization of production over time.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: euractiv.com