Using new imaging technologies to monitor the Common Agricultural Policy: steady progress overall, but slower for climate and environment monitoring

Summary:

New imaging technologies, such as the EU-owned Copernicus Sentinel satellites, have the potential to be a game changer in monitoring the Common Agricultural Policy while also providing benefits for farmers and for the environment. We found that the Commission has encouraged the use of new technologies by Member State paying agencies, especially for monitoring direct payment area aid. In 2019, 15 paying agencies in five Member States used Sentinel data to check aid applications, but a number of obstacles currently hamper wider use of new technologies by paying agencies. We recommend that the Commission mitigate these obstacles and make better use of the new technologies for monitoring environmental and climate requirements.

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