The CAP and innovation: New solutions for the future of European agriculture
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to support a more competitive, sustainable and resilient European agricultural sector. Achieving these objectives requires new ideas and practical solutions that can respond to the challenges facing agriculture today.
From new food products and more sustainable crop protection to healthier soils, innovation can take many different forms. Here are three examples of projects contributing to specific CAP objectives.The LIKE-A-PRO project explores how alternative proteins can move beyond niche markets and become more widely available and appealing to European consumers. The project develops new foods using different sources of alternative protein and brings together researchers, businesses, consumers and other actors from the agri-food sector across Europe.
The project contributes particularly to CAP Objective 10, which focuses on fostering knowledge and innovation. By developing new knowledge, products and opportunities, the project supports the transition towards a more innovative and sustainable agri-food system.
The NextGenBioPest project is developing a new generation of solutions to tackle some of the most challenging pests and diseases affecting fruit and vegetable production, while reducing reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. These include biological control agents, RNA-based plant protection products, low-risk substances, sustainable farming practices and advanced diagnostic tools.
The project contributes particularly to CAP Objective 4 on climate change mitigation and adaptation and Objective 6 on biodiversity, ecosystem services, habitats and agricultural landscapes. In this way, NextGenBioPest explores new ways to protect crops while combining productivity with environmental sustainability.
The LILAS4SOILS project focuses on carbon farming and soil health, particularly in Mediterranean and Southern European regions facing increasing pressure from climate change and soil degradation. Farmers, researchers and other stakeholders work together to test practices such as agroforestry, improved nutrient management and approaches to increase and maintain organic carbon in agricultural soils.
The project contributes particularly to CAP Objective 4 on climate change mitigation and adaptation. It demonstrates how innovation can help agriculture respond to climate challenges while protecting one of farming’s most valuable natural resources: healthy soil.
Different solutions, shared objectives
Although these projects focus on very different areas, they show how innovation can contribute in practical ways to the priorities of the CAP. New food products, alternative approaches to crop protection and better soil management can all provide solutions for a more sustainable, resilient and future-ready agricultural sector. Looking for more examples or inspiration on how research and innovation can support agriculture? The EU CAP Network project database brings together innovative projects from across Europe, offering practical examples of how innovation can contribute to the CAP objectives and the future of European agriculture.