Comprendre les enjeux de l'agriculture

No-till agriculture aims to reduce soil mechanical work to improve soil health and limit greenhouse gas emissions. This new agricultural practice is experiencing significant growth in Eastern Europe. In 2023, as part of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, several countries implemented sustainable agricultural techniques to address climate challenges, improve crop resilience, and ensure food security.

For instance, in Poland, no-till agriculture is expanding thanks to CAP support, which promotes these emission-reducing practices by encouraging crop rotation. The goal is to enhance soil biodiversity and reduce erosion. Recent studies show that this method significantly reduces fuel and input costs. They also demonstrate that no-till soil can sequester up to 10% more carbon, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change.

In Hungary, where climate conditions are becoming increasingly harsh, no-till agriculture proves particularly effective. This alternative helps retain soil moisture, a key advantage in a region highly exposed to rising droughts. Figures indicate a 15% increase in yields using no-till techniques compared to traditional methods, especially for corn and wheat cultivation.

In Romania, the implementation of no-till agriculture helps protect soil against rapid degradation, exacerbated by intensive farming practices. Through crop rotation and the integration of cover crops, Romania has recently seen a marked improvement in soil fertility. Currently, 12% of the country’s farmland is cultivated using no-till practices, with growing support to extend this method to other farms, especially for large-scale crops.

These initiatives embraced by Eastern Europe illustrate the continent-wide efforts to prioritize more sustainable agriculture, where reducing pesticides and better soil management are becoming central to strategies set for 2050. By integrating innovative soil and water management techniques, these countries actively contribute to the transition toward a resilient and less polluting agricultural model.