Agricultural landscapes in Europe and their transformation

Abstract

This study has been set up to analyse the interaction between agriculture and landscape in Europe. Landscapes are in a process of transformation owing to current changes in farming practice in the European Community. This will bring about a considerable amount of instability to the countryside. In most of Europe farming is still related to soil conditions, topography and climate. In view of the existing lack of a common terminology required for a description of—and the distinction between—European landscapes the authors set up their own topology. Thirteen types of European (agricultural) landscapes are distinguished. Each one of these is named and also illustrated by means of a pictorial representation. An analysis of trends in agriculture and of possible government policies is the basis for the presentation of four scenarios describing alternative developments of the European landscape. These scenarios emphasize in turn four divergent policies in the Common Market. The impact on the landscape in each case is illustrated on four maps of Europe. The first scenario is based on an emphasis on a liberal price and market policy resulting in a tremendous change in mobility, in concentration of production, with a markedly negative impact on environmental quality and landscape amenity. The second scenario emphasizes the promotion of existing qualities in regions with a strong identity, both in terms of special products and in environmental characteristics. The third scenario stresses the need for a protection and preservation of natural and cultural values in the landscape. This means restrictions in production and the large-scale subvention of farmers. The fourth scenario is based on giving priority to an improvement of environmental quality by means of an active intervention. The sustainability of natural resources comes first here. The measures and instruments needed to implement these four scenarios are described, and so is the impact of each of them on the landscapes of Europe. The discussion leads to the conclusion that the four scenarios may be applicable simultaneously in various areas of Europe, also depending on regional conditions.