This indicator comprises historical and projected emissions estimates from the agriculture sector (CRF category 3), expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (MtCO2e). Historical emissions are presented at subcategory level with some aggregation (see Methodology for details), whereas emissions projected with existing measures and with additional measures are presented at aggregate level for the agriculture sector (CRF sector 3 only).
Methodology for indicator calculation
Historical and projected emissions estimates from all 27 EU Member States (and aggregated for the EU-27) were obtained from the publicly available databases published by the EEA.
For the presentation of historical trends in emissions by subcategory, the following minor emissions categories were combined into the single aggregate category ‘Other’: ‘Rice cultivation’ (CRF 3C), ‘Prescribed burning of savannahs’ (CRF 3E), ‘Field burning of agricultural residues’ (CRF 3F), ‘Liming’ (CRF 3G), ‘Urea application’ (CRF 3H), ‘Other carbon containing fertilisers’ (CRF 3I) and ‘Other agricultural emissions’ (CRF 3J).
For simplicity, emissions arising from ‘Enteric fermentation’ (CRF 3A) and ‘Manure management’ (CRF 3B) were presented for all livestock types combined. In addition, where emissions of several gases occur from the same subcategory (e.g. ‘Manure management’ (CRF 3B), for which emissions comprise both CH4 and N2O), these have been combined into a single CO2e value. Direct and indirect N2O emissions from agricultural soils are also presented as a single CO2e figure.
The latest available version of the historical inventory and projected emissions were used to compile the indicator, but it should be noted that this may introduce slight inconsistencies between the historical and projected emissions if projections for some Member States are not based on the latest inventory data submitted and recalculations have been made.
Methodology for gap filling
No methodology for gap filling has been specified.
Regulation (EU) 2018/842 — the ESR — lays down obligations for Member States with respect to their minimum contributions to meeting the GHG emissions reduction target of the Union, for the period 2021-2030. The goal for Europe to become climate neutral by 2050 is enshrined in the European Climate Law, which includes the target of reducing net emissions of GHGs by at least 55% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. This law acknowledges the need to revise the ESR to deliver the additional emissions reductions for 2030, for which the Commission made a proposal in July 2021.
No uncertainties have been specified