Focus Paper on Extensively Managed Grasslands

EUKI project Landcare Europe promotes climate-friendly farming in Germany, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia, and the Czech Republic by developing policy recommendations for future CAP measures. It organises workshops, field visits, and farmer training to improve carbon sequestration in agricultural landscapes. The project aims to guide national governments in adapting their strategic plans and encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

The publication highlights the benefits of extensively managed grasslands, which support biodiversity, reduce emissions, and improve soil and water retention. These grasslands are managed without fertilisers or pesticides and rely on sustainable grazing and mowing practices. However, they face challenges, including insufficient support from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and declining livestock farming. The paper calls for better CAP support, stronger communication about the benefits of grass-fed livestock, and improved value chains to ensure the sustainability of these grasslands.