Policy Instruments to Support Green Growth in Agriculture

This report synthesises the experience of OECD countries in developing and implementing policies, programmes and initiatives related to green growth in the agricultural sector, based primarily on material provided by governments. It discusses the overall approach that countries are taking towards establishing a green growth strategy in agriculture; the implementation of the OECD framework for monitoring progress towards green growth in agriculture; and the various policy instruments used.

A key conclusion is that, while most countries have some policies in place that relate to the concept of green growth, the degree of ambition shows considerable variation. A wide range of instruments and a variety of ‘policy mixes’ are currently applied across OECD countries, with the majority of countries appearing to have strategic objectives covering a wide range of subjects related to green growth, particularly in the area of improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. A coherent overall policy framework that has clear objectives, sets R&D priorities, and policy measures that are targeted and implemented at the appropriate levels are essential to establish a comprehensive strategy for green growth in agriculture.

Contents:

Executive summary 7
- The concept of green growth 7
- Agriculture policy initiatives and policy instruments 7
- Monitoring progress 9

Chapter 1. Green growth and agriculture 11
- Bibliography 16

Chapter 2. Green growth strategies in agriculture in OECD countries 17
- Overall approach 18
- Strategic objectives and targets 24
- Monitoring progress towards green growth in agriculture 28
- Bibliography 31

Chapter 3. Policies for improving productivity and resource efficiency in the context of green growth 33
- R&D, technology and innovation 34
- Energy efficiency: Renewable energy 49
- Waste 54
- Water 55
- Bibliography 62

Chapter 4. Policies oriented towards improving the environment 65
- Market-based instruments 66
- Non-market (regulatory) instruments 71
- Voluntary agreements 73
- Technical assistance and institutional measures 75
- Bibliography 77

Chapter 5. Policy approaches, by country 79
- Australia 80
- Austria 85
- Belgium 86
- Canada 88
- Czech Republic 92
- Denmark 92
- Estonia 94
- European Commission 94
- Finland 97
- France 98
- Greece 101
- Ireland 104
- Japan 105
- Korea 107
- New Zealand 111
- The Netherlands 115
- Norway 120
- Slovak Republic 120
- Sweden 121
- Switzerland 121
- Turkey 123
-United Kingdom 124
- United States 125
- Bibliography 135

Chapter 6. Conclusions 137

Website: OECD iLibrary http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/

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