European agriculture faces climate-driven water crisis and calls for new strategy

European agriculture is facing significant challenges due to extreme climate phenomena, including intense rainfall, high temperatures, and prolonged droughts. A study presented to the European Parliament indicates that 80% of recent agricultural losses have been caused by climate-related events, affecting approximately 70% of agricultural land.

Luc Verné, Secretary General of Farm Europe, has called on the European Commission to develop a pan-European agricultural water strategy. He emphasized that farmers cannot address water scarcity alone and noted a lack of recent investment in water management, which is critical for risk mitigation. The study suggests that because regional challenges vary, a collaborative European approach is necessary to ensure production capacity amidst increasing water scarcity.

In response to these crises, regenerative agriculture is gaining traction as a method to build resilience. By focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and water retention, these practices help mitigate the impact of drought. For example, in southeast England, farmers utilizing deep-rooted plants, cover crops, and controlled grazing have maintained green pastures and improved soil water retention even during periods without rainfall, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.