Groupama supports the Shift Project’s work on low-carbon, resilient and prosperous agriculture

In the face of climate challenges, agriculture stands at a crossroads. In France, it accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, yet it can also significantly contribute to biodiversity preservation. How can agriculture be transformed to combine decarbonization with the economic viability of farms? To answer this question, Groupama supported a study on the decarbonization of agriculture. This work was conducted by The Shift Project, a non-profit organization that brings together scientists and experts from various fields to inform and influence public debate on climate and energy issues. The study, based on large-scale consultation with 8,000 farmers, proposes a central "conciliation" scenario. As France's leading agricultural insurer and an Agricultural Professional Organization, Groupama has backed this scientific and economic approach. Discover the conclusions of this research.

Although agriculture currently accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions in France, this share has decreased by 16% since the 1990s, notably due to a reduction in cattle numbers and lower use of fertilizers.

Both dependent on biodiversity and a key player in its protection, agriculture is therefore expected to undergo major transformations to improve its resilience, ensure its economic viability, and safeguard agricultural sovereignty.

Often, farmers find the proposed low-carbon practices relevant but also see significant financial barriers.
To address climate and economic challenges, The Shift Project conducted an 18-month consultation with farmers, focusing on sector transformation, the jobs and skills needed, and the role of technology in this change. Here are some of the ideas revealed by this work:

• Shift fertilization practices by replacing mineral nitrogen fertilizers with legumes
• Strengthen livestock system resilience: mixed crop-livestock systems, reduced herd sizes, decarbonizing animal feed
• Reduce energy needs: use of biofuels
• Promote resilience and biodiversity: adapt crops and farming techniques, agroforestry, pasture-based livestock systems
• Increase carbon storage in agriculture: potential estimated between 29.9 Mt and 53.5 MtCO₂e over 30 years through agroforestry, cover crops, and temporary grasslands
• Ensure circularity of agricultural systems: redistribute livestock across territories, recycle minerals and organic matter
• Rethink logistics: reduce dependence on transport and oil by relocalizing production and spreading activities across regions

Based on these solutions and strategies, the study outlines possible projections or transformation scenarios for the agricultural system. A central “conciliation” scenario is presented, highlighting the need for pragmatism and compromise between strategic priorities.

Of course, all these proposals involve difficult trade-offs, and sustainable agricultural transition goals cannot be met without ensuring farm viability and prosperity. Supporting farmers is therefore a top priority.

To read the full conclusions of The Shift Project’s report, click here. (French version only)

To read a recap of the Shift Project’s report, click here.(French version only).