Germany's Agriculture Faces Environmental Challenges Despite Ideal Conditions
Germany's agricultural sector faces significant environmental challenges, despite ideal climate and soil conditions for production. While organizations like BUND and DNR indirectly contribute to environmental management, specific bodies for agricultural assessments are unclear. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) sets environmental standards, but Germany hasn't fully utilized its leeway for ambitious environmental and climate policy in the current funding period.
Agriculture's extensive use and prevailing production systems lead to environmental impacts on soil, air, water, climate, and biodiversity. The Federal Soil Protection Act defines agricultural measures for soil protection through 'good agricultural practice'. However, Germany's climate and soil conditions also enable farming methods that preserve valuable agro-ecosystems and cultural landscapes.
To tackle these issues, economic instruments such as taxes or certificates can make agricultural policy more environmentally friendly. National and European policies provide opportunities to limit agricultural environmental impacts. Agricultural operations can participate in the European EMAS environmental management and audit system to demonstrate their environmental commitment. This helps record environmental impacts, comply with applicable law, and implement measures for energy efficiency and climate protection.
Germany's agricultural sector must address its environmental footprint while leveraging its ideal climate and soil conditions. Organizations and policies can drive change, but Germany needs to fully utilize its leeway in the CAP for a more ambitious agricultural environmental and climate policy.
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