The role of the Common Agricultural Policy in maintaining High Nature Value farming systems in Europe

Abstract

Human interference of European landscape by the cultivation of land for agriculture and forestry is significant for the state of landscapes and biodiversity. The so-called High Nature Value (HNV) farming systems are important in the maintenance of landscapes and biodiversity. They are often referred to as low-intensity farming systems with highly diverse habitat types (Baldock and Beaufoy 1993). They may, however, also be high-intensive farming systems with rich natural potential, like the Dutch Peat-lands. Some examples of farmland with high natural values are semi-natural grasslands, breeding areas for birds, areas for migratory birds, areas with many natural features and the dehesas and montados which are agroforestry systems with rotation of arable and livestock production under trees (Van Dijk 1996). Intensification of agriculture and abandonment of agricultural land are the main threats to HNV areas. This has to be avoided. This article investigates the role present and alternative Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures can play in maintaining farming systems responsible for the high natural value of the areas throughout the EU.