Europe’s agricultural sector faces a range of economic, environmental and social challenges. The accumulation of these uncertainties and their potentially complex interconnections lead to concerns about the long term viability of production of private and public goods, the sustainability of agricultural systems and the vitality of rural areas.

Importantly, these risks and uncertainties differ widely across regions, different types of farms and different farming systems, requiring a differentiated response.

Responses might try either to reduce stressors or limit their impact, enhance the robustness of farms and farming systems against disturbances, or increase their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

No framework currently exists for the comprehensive assessment of whether policies and governance arrangements effectively enhance the sustainability and resilience of EU farming systems and improve the risk management of EU farms. Consequently, strategic approaches and roadmaps towards more sustainable and resilient farming systems are lacking.