GAEC workshop 2012 technical report

Abstract

The report describes the main technical findings of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) workshop 2012 organised by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). 110 delegates from 24 European Union Member States, two candidate countries (Croatia and Iceland) and Commission services took part. The workshop focused on implementation and control issues related to the identification and measure of landscape features and buffer strips, as well as on scientific references for definition and mapping of soil related issues (e. g. soil erosion or soil organic matter). Participants showed much interest on technical aspects related to the implementation of the future CAP with particular reference to landscape features in the framework of the so-called Ecological Focus Area. The workshop allows setting up and fine-tuning future main JRC activities taking into account DG AGRI and Member States inputs. LB -N A -2 5 7 3 5 -E N -N As the Commission’s in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre’s mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new standards, methods and tools, and sharing and transferring its know-how to the Member States and international community. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change; energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multidisciplinary approach.