The EU agricultural sector is advancing towards more sustainable and resilient practices in line with the EU Green Deal and CAP 2023–2027. However, challenges such as fragmented data, limited standardisation, and lack of transparent benchmarking approaches persist, alongside scarce evidence on the effectiveness of existing schemes.
This study addresses these gaps by analysing farm-level sustainability benchmarking schemes and supporting the development of a coherent EU-level framework. Delivered under the fi-compass initiative (a joint platform of the European Investment Bank and European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development), it contributes to improving investment readiness and facilitating access to finance for sustainable agriculture.
The study includes:
1) Conceptual Framework of the Study
Definition of an analytical framework to assess farm-level schemes that benchmark and incentivise environmental performance improvements.
2) Empirical Data Collection
Collection of evidence through desk research and stakeholder consultations across the EU, complemented by selected international examples.
3) Comparative Analysis
Assessment of schemes across agricultural sub-sectors, identifying common features, methodologies, indicators and key differences.
4) Conclusions and Recommendations
Identification of best practices and development of proposals for indicators, monitoring approaches, and incentive structures.
5) Dissemination of Results
Clear presentation of findings to support EU stakeholders and contribute to a future EU benchmarking framework for sustainable agriculture.