GAEC standards-coefficients for measuring the sustainability and durability of the european agricultural policy

Abstract

The GAEC standards are derived from the code for good agricultural and environmental conditions, which refers to the definition of the standards or conditions that farmers must meet in order for the subsidy application, regardless of the scheme they opt for, to be eligible; the concept has been developed and debated since the 70s, but was introduced into EU policy in 2003 through the publication of Council Regulation EC 1782/2003. Currently we can talk about 8 GAEC standards as a way of evaluating compliance with eco-conditionality for the following specific areas, namely climate and environment, including water, soil and ecosystem biodiversity, public health and plant health, animal welfare. Thus, the GAEC standards applicable for the purpose of sustainability and durability of the agricultural policy implemented at the Union level at the moment are: GAEC 1: Maintenance of permanent grasslands GAEC 2: new from 2023. Protecting wetlands and peatlands GAEC 3: Prohibition of burning stubble, dry vegetation and plant debris on arable land GAEC 4: Creation of buffer strips (strips of protection) along watercourses GAEC 5: Management of earthworks, reducing the risk of soil degradation and erosion, including consideration of slope. GAEC 6: Minimum ground cover to avoid bare ground during the most sensitive periods GAEC 7 Crop rotation on arable land, excluding crops growing under water GAEC 8: Minimum proportion of agricultural area dedicated to non-productive areas or features and on all agricultural areas, maintaining landscape features and prohibiting the cutting of hedges and trees during the breeding and rearing period of birds. GAEC 9: introduced in 2023. Prohibition of conversion or plowing of permanent grassland designated as ecologically sensitive permanent grassland within the perimeter of Natura 2000 sites.