Principles and recommendations for integrating climate change adaptation considerations under the 2014-2020 rural development programmes

This Commission Staff Working Document is intended to ensure that climate adaptation objectives are embedded in the design of their 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs). It is addressed to Managing Authorities and all stakeholders involved in rural development programme preparation and consultation, including climate experts and external stakeholders.

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) provides an important source of funding for Member States through their RDPs. The document provides advice, methods, and examples to ensure that climate adaptation needs and priorities are understood and fully integrated into national and regional RDPs for the next programming period. The 2014 – 2020 programming period will see significant changes to the current period and this document sets out adaptation priorities and key principles to guide this process. It should be seen as a first attempt to bring to the attention of Member States and stakeholders a series of issues identified in the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change with direct  relevance for the agriculture and forestry sectors.