Agricultural subsidies can be repurposed for a just and sustainable rural transition

Orhan Solak, deputy director of Türkiye's Directorate of Climate Change, emphasizes the need to repurpose agricultural subsidies to support a just rural transition and achieve climate goals. There is a call for stronger consensus and rapid implementation of sustainable practices in agriculture to address current challenges, aligning agricultural transformation with environmental integrity and social equity. The importance of supporting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems through targeted investments, capacity-building, and innovation is highlighted, with a focus on inclusive rural development and intergenerational equity. Countries are recognizing the need for climate action to not come at the cost of food security, livelihoods, and equality, with examples of redirecting farm subsidies towards more climate-positive practices for long-term resilience. The Bonn Climate Conference is set to discuss a Just Transition Mechanism for a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, placing agrifood systems and rural communities at the heart of the climate agenda, with COP31 Presidency priorities in Turkey expected to prioritize climate equity and inclusive action for climate justice.

https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/01/agricultural-subsidies-can-be-repurposed-for-a-just-and-sustainable-rural-transition/