Climate & environment

"Climate protection is one of the most important challenges facing environmental, social and economic policy today."(Federal Minister Ilse Aigner)

Agriculture and forestry are the main areas affected by climate change and must adapt to this development. As must coastal and flood protection. Carbon dioxide is stored in forests, the soil, wood and agricultural products. But is also contained in greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. That is why active climate policy is an important element of agricultural policy.

In Germany the farming industry contributes to conserving our cultivated landscapes. As a consequence of the 2003 reform of EU agricultural policy with its cross-compliance provisions, direct payments were also linked to meeting high standards and environmental protection conditions. In addition, the Federal Government, the Länder and the EU encourage the farming industry to protect the climate, soil, waters and biodiversity by means of special agri-environmental measures. Environmental protection, nature conservation, biodiversity and climate change likewise play a major role for forests and fishing.