The Institute of European Environment Policy (IEEP) published a study financed by the European Commission that shows the need to change to be able to meet the new 2020 biodiversity targets for agriculture, and this requires action on several different fronts. Indeed, the report suggests to address five main issues.
 

The study on "Addressing biodiversity and habitat preservation through measures applied under the Common Agricultural Policy" financed by the European Commission and carried out by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), shows the need of a step forward if the EU is to achieve the 2020 targets, suggesting that there are 5 main issues that need to be addressed. The study has been finalised shortly after the adoption of the proposals for the future of Common Agricultural Policy in October 2011.

The report suggests firstly that the area in which agricultural biodiversity is provided needs to be increased significantly and the efficiency and effectiveness of measures needs to be improved. In addition, the report suggests that rules to protect Europe's most valued biodiversity needs must be properly implemented and enforced. Also, sufficient funding needs to be available to go beyond basic law with "significant increases" needed – for greening of CAP direct payment and agri-environment schemes. According to the study, it is important to combine different measures to provide integrated packages for farmers, notably the importance of providing more targeted schemes through Rural Development plans (agri-environment schemes) to build on the broader, wider effect of greening Direct Payments. Finally, the report recommends to encourage the role of innovation in fostering sustainable land management to ensure that production increases are sustainable and take account of the needs of biodiversity and the provision of the full range of ecosystem services.

The study, although financed by the European Commission was carried out by the Institute of European Environment Policy (IEEP), and the conclusions, and reflect the opinion of the consultant and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Commission, as it was stressed by this European institution. The study very clearly puts the subject matter into context and clearly identifies the links with different current policy processes.