Agriculture in the International Climate Negotiations

Mitigation of emissions in agriculture is a relatively new topic within the UNFCCC. It is curently under discussion to establish a work programme that would mainly deal with mitigation, but also with other climate-related aspects of agriculture. A decision on whether to establish it could be taken at the next COP in December 2012.
Many developing countries are concerned that the process could be biased towards mitigation and its integration into carbon markets, while other aspects of importance to them could be neglected, such as food security, adaptation as well as avoiding trade restrictions. Furthermore, they point out the complexity of the agricultural sector and existing scientific uncertainties concerning the monitoring of emission reductions.
Briefing Paper 16/2012, released by the German Development Institute, makes recommendations for the integration of agriculture into international climate negotiations.

Source: German Development Institute