Implementation of Eco-schemes in Fifteen European Union Member States

Eco-schemes are set to play an important role in the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2022 for the delivery of environmental and climate benefits and enhanced animal welfare. This article surveys current plans for the design of eco-schemes in fifteen European Union Member States. The number of eco-scheme measures to be offered per country varies between 3 and 21, and the complexity and level of ambition of the individual measures are quite heterogeneous. The majority of the proposed eco-scheme measures either build upon components from greening obligations or stem from agri-environmental and climate schemes currently offered under Pillar 2. All fifteen Member States address Green Deal targets, with particular emphasis being given to biodiversity enhancement and non-productive land. Eight of the countries surveyed are planning to provide support for organic farming through an eco-scheme. The greater creative freedom offered by the CAP’s New Delivery Model has resulted in a situation where similar measures are programmed as eco-schemes in some countries and as Pillar 2 measures in others. By adding yet another policy instrument to the CAP’s toolbox, the complexity of the CAP is vastly increased. It remains to be seen how farmers will respond.