Sectoral Brief: Agri-Food Systems

As part of the EU-funded GoNaturePositive! project, five sectoral briefs were developed to explore how key economic sectors can contribute to a nature-positive economy. Covering agri-food systems, built environment, forestry, tourism, and the blue economy, these concise documents present the challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations needed to transform these sectors – helping balance economic activity with ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. The briefs are designed to guide upcoming project activities, including setting priorities, tackling policy barriers, and supporting targeted actions at project pilot sites.

This brief - focusing on the agri-food sector - highlights that agriculture covers 38% of EU land but exerts the greatest pressure on European habitats, accounting for 48% of pollution pressures on ecosystems. A shift toward nature-positive sector is underway, with a share of organic farming increasing and nature-positive practices, such as wetland restoration, reduction of synthetic pesticides, regenerative agriculture, being supported by both public and private initiatives. Accelerating this transition requires more systemic policy design with clear binding long-term targets, cross sector synergies, financial recognition for ecosystem services, effective restoration measures, participatory approaches.