Description

Given the problems linked to capital-intensive modernized farming, alternative development paths for farms are needed. Such an alternative could be found in a framework where agriculture is no longer understood as primarily producing food and feed commodities. If farms are embedded in their wider rural context, they can make a significant contribution to rural development by responding imaginatively to the new needs increasingly demanded by wider society, such as specialty food produced on-farm, leisure services and environmental amenities (Saraceno, 2005). The Rural Development Policy has therefore become an increasingly important part of the CAP and has come to be known as its ‘second pillar’ (EC, 2005b; Lowe et al., 2002). It encompasses several instruments, such as measures to support the competitiveness of agriculture, Agri-Environmental Programmes (AEPs), compensatory allowances for Less Favoured Areas (LFA) and structural measures in rural areas. Understanding how to achieve a high participation rate in a voluntary programme such as the AEP could indicate a way forward for agriculture by supporting the provision of environmental services as a farm development strategy. Farming in Alpine regions is particularly challenging, given the topography and climate. Agricultural production is mainly based on grazing livestock (mostly cattle). The short growing season, low yields (grains and grass), long winters (entailing additional requirements for animal housing and feed storage) and challenging logistics contribute to high production costs. Despite these unfavorable farming conditions, suitable management of Alpine grasslands is imperative; they contribute to the attractiveness of the mountainous areas and to their recreational value, which are crucial for the tourism industry. Their sensitive ecosystem harbours an endemic flora and fauna, which contributes significantly to Europe’s natural heritage, and plays an important role in the prevention of avalanches and landslides. Alpine agriculture is thus a typical example of ‘multifunctional agriculture, as its non-agricultural value in terms of environmental benefits and maintenance of the rural infrastructure may be higher than its agricultural production value (BMLFUW, 2003). In the plains and hilly areas, farms enjoy better growing conditions and crop yields are comparable to the EU average. Farming is dominated by arable fields and more

intensive crop cultivation methods are generally applied. Pig and poultry farming takes

place mainly in these areas.

Project Scope

It encompasses several instruments, such as measures to support the competitiveness of agriculture, Agri-Environmental Programmes (AEPs), compensatory allowances for Less Favoured Areas (LFA) and structural measures in rural areas

  • Implementation of the agri-environmental policy
  • Rules the support for rural development
  • Agricultural practices and environmental concerns on his/her farm
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Project Info

Category

AgTech

Location

Ondo State, Nigeria

Square Meters

452,65m²

Project Year

2021

Project Value

2500