In the European Union alone, agriculture contributes 10% of the total GHG emissions, with methane (49%) from livestock and nitrous oxide (30%) from soils as the primary culprits according to the European Environment Agency. In addition, droughts, floods, heatwaves and unpredictable weather patterns disrupt agricultural production in all parts of the world.  

Between 2005 and 2022, the EU's agricultural GHG emissions exhibited an overall decreasing trend of 5%, with a further 2% reduction estimated between 2022 and 2023. However, projections indicate that without the introduction of further policies and measures, agricultural emissions could increase from current levels until 2030, resulting in a total EU agricultural emission level that is only 4% below the 2005 baseline. If additional measures currently planned by the European countries are implemented, the total reduction is projected to reach 7% below 2005 levels.  

Sustaining economic profitability from agricultural operations is on top of the agenda today. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions and climate change all challenge the farmers whether small or large in their activities. Climate-resilient technologies are highly sought by the agriculture sector, however financing and choosing among the options remain an area of uncertainty and many struggle to understand and identify the best options applicable than ensure profitable operations.  

Last but not the least, the agricultural sector’s progress is hampered by an aging workforce and declining numbers of young entrants.

• Only 11.9% of EU farm managers are under 40 (European Commission).
• Over 2.5 million workers left the sector in the last decade (OECD).
• Migrant labor, making up 25% of the workforce, often faces poor conditions (Oxfam International).