Final Report Summary - PICCMAT (Policy Incentives for climate change mitigation techniques) The European common agricultural policy includes tools, mainly agro-environment measures and cross-compliance obligations, to guide farmers practices and reduce environmental impacts. These tools are expected to incorporate climate change mitigation measures so as to implement the Kyoto Protocol principles. The PICCMAT project aimed to identify and promote changes in land management so as to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as to develop guidelines for the design of climate change mitigation policy incentives. The main scientific PICCMAT objectives were to: 1. provide scientific information for the development of policies related to agriculture and climate change alleviation; 2. reinforce the links between policy makers and scientists in the fields of interest; 3. raise farmer awareness on the impact of agriculture on climate change. The project was structured in four work packages, which undertook different, yet interrelated, activities. Firstly, information based on research projects and literature review was collected in a mitigation practices database. Manure management and storage was included, but organic farming, animal feeding and biogas production were not taken into consideration due to the observed complexities and lack of data. A qualitative analysis was subsequently performed in order to select techniques for further field-testing. A report, providing information on the advantages, drawbacks and alternative options of each of the 26 promoted methods was produced as a result of the techniques assessment. Furthermore, the feasibility, cost-effectiveness and the potential market penetration of the selected practices were evaluated based on case studies. An attempt to define patterns of similarity, critical for the formulation of policy recommendations, was also undertaken. The opportunities for global mitigation were investigated, in case the proposals were practiced by a large number of farmers across the European Union (EU). Different implementation scenarios were evaluated for that purpose, using an existing simulation model, in order to supply decision makers with knowledge on the likely effects of alternative policies. The importance of the farm level economy was finally pinpointed, since every modification of implemented practices had to provide financial returns to be accepted by the farmers. The possible incentives and their funding were also examined and policy recommendations were formulated, assisted by a synthesis report on the case studies results. The involvement of stakeholders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), scientists and policymakers was critical for the success of this WP and became feasible via the organisation of a thematic international workshop and the exploitation of numerous communication methods. Furthermore, the adaptation dimension was integrated in policy recommendations. A large potential for synergies between mitigation and adaptation within agriculture was identified and relevant documentation was produced. The project results were disseminated to the policymakers, scientific community, stakeholders and the general public within the EU. A project related website was developed and updated and an information campaign, including workshops, scientific papers and press releases was implemented to ensure broad communication of the results. Finally, a successful international symposium was organised.
