Over 300 Scientists Make Recommendations on How to Improve the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy

In summer 2020, members of the European Commission invited European scientists to informally deliver evidence-based recommendations on how the updated CAP could perform better for biodiversity. The voluntary, independent process which followed this invitation was coordinated by iDiv, UFZ, Thünen Institute and the University of Rostock, and in cooperation with other European research institutions, including UNWE and the Society for Territorial and Environmental Prosperity (STEP). The process included 13 workshops and an online survey which were conducted between 2020 and 2021. Over 300 scientists and other experts from 23 European member states representing the disciplines of ecology, agronomy, economics and social sciences participated in this consultation. Dr Guy Pe'er, ecologist at iDiv and UFZ and lead author of the study emphasizes, "The direct interaction with the European Commission was unique and extremely motivating. All scientists participated voluntarily, knowing that there is interest in using their expertise and knowledge to improve the CAP. This demonstrates how important and useful it is to strengthen the science-policy dialogue.”