Description

The regulatory framework for protecting the climate and air quality creates general framework conditions for preventing air pollution, reducing emissions, defining limits for airborne pollutants and long-term climate protection measures (particularly geared towards reducing CO2). Climate and air-related activities in agriculture and forestry are regulated by special laws and regulations. Technical implementation on the farm and in processing is monitored regularly by state or private inspection institutions.

Protecting the climate and air quality is a particularly important factor in environmental protection. However, climate change not only calls for measures to protect the climate but also measures for adaptation to climate change, especially in the agricultural sector.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Clear responsibilities in public authorities
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Country-wide monitoring of natural resources and their quality (e. g. water, soil, forests, air, grassland)
• Good knowledge of good agricultural practices
• Participation of all stakeholders involved, e. g. science / research, agricultural advisory services, civil society, public and private sector (incl. farmers and their interest groups)
• Monitoring and control system for the agricultural production processes supported
• Regular neutral inspections on farms and in agri-food enterprises
• Sanction mechanisms

Possible Negative Effects

• Climate protection laws that are too strict extend beyond the economic and the farmers' technical opportunities, thus hindering the development of farming