European Rural Development Policy Research Articles

How are ecological approaches justified in European rural development policy? Evidence from a content analysis of CAP and rural development discourses

How are ecological approaches justified in European rural development policy? Evidence from a content analysis of CAP and rural development discourses

How are ecological approaches justified in European rural development policy? Evidence from a content analysis of CAP and rural development discourses

Ecological approaches to farming are gaining increasing interest in the EU's Rural Development (RD) policy. From a societal perspective, these approaches are expected to deliver public goods in terms of environmental and social benefits for both consumers and rural actors. This study aims to investigate the policy discourses that are being used in the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) of Sweden, France, Bavaria, Hungary, Poland and Romania to depict and justify the support for ecological approaches across three programming periods of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). For this purpose, a model integrating both CAP and RD discourses was developed and applied using deductive content analysis focused on the policy documents of RDPs. The results suggest that during the entire CAP period from 2000 to 2020, ecological approaches were mainly justified in a multifunctionality discourse, especially with the two RD discourses of i) nature conservation in all considered EU member states and regions, with the exception of Sweden, and ii) agri-ruralism, including Sweden. The neomercantilist discourse appears to be the third most dominant discourse in the two most recent CAP periods from 2007 to 2013 and 2014–2020, becoming more prominent between these two periods. Ecological approaches are almost never advocated along liberal lines as the neo-liberalist discourse is almost absent. These results highlight that these six EU member states and regions recognize the potential of these approaches for delivering public goods, despite a lesser emphasis on socio-economic benefits.

Evaluating the New Common Agricultural Policy: Improving the Rules

SummaryThirty years after their conception and adoption, European rural development policies are about to enter a new programming period, splitting away from the cohesion funds and showing, for the first time since the implementation of agricultural policies, real integration with the so‐called first Pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The proposal for the new CAP from 2023–2027 includes some improvements through a new delivery model and organisational approach, which may reinforce future evaluations. As to overseeing the implementation of the CAP, the Commission proposed to move from a compliance‐based to a performance‐based approach. Nevertheless, we can highlight some elements that may weaken evaluation processes, with the risk of repeating past failures, as is the case in the current CAP programming period from 2014–2020. This article analyses the new framework proposed for the evaluation of the future CAP and is intended to promote a discussion on how to make evaluations more usable, useful and reliable for their users and evaluation practitioners. The analysis concerns only the rules for evaluation and does not discuss other specific monitoring, performance framework and control requirements, which are interrelated with evaluation.

Farmers’ Participation in Operational Groups to Foster Innovation in the Agricultural Sector: An Italian Case Study

Recently, the interpretation of the innovation process has changed significantly. Its linear model has evolved to a dynamic and ongoing participatory approach where cooperation, oriented to generate co-ownership, is the essence to co-produce knowledge among multiple actors. Farmers’ direct participation in the process is widely accepted since they contribute with first-hand information, perceptions, field experiences, and feedback that are essential for the design and implementation of a project. The European Union encourages their participation through the European Rural Development Policy that promotes competitiveness and sustainability in the agriculture and forestry sectors, building bridges among heterogeneous stakeholders that complement each other to find an innovative solution to a given problem. Thus far, despite participation importance, few details have been provided about producer’s contributions within the process. Consequently, this paper attempts to explore the modus operandi of an Italian Operational Group to get insights about the farmers’ participation and identify the factors that could influence and foster the interactive innovation process. The results, based on a participatory observation, key informants’ interviews, and theory reflection, revealed that farmers are active players in the design and implementation phases. Yet, their participation is not constant throughout the entire process. Empower them to find solutions with different players is a complex challenge as it requires motivation, commitment, trust, and an open communication among different actors.

Rural Districts and Business Agglomerations in Low-Density Business Environments. The Case of Extremadura (Spain)

The strategy of the institutionalization and development of business agglomerations, in any of its analytical aspects (industrial district, local production system, cluster, etc.), has not had great results in Spanish regions with low business-density, probably due to the difficulty of finding an adequate implementation framework in administrative, geographic, and institutional terms. Based on the limitations presented by the identification methodologies of business agglomerations in low business-density territories, in this work we propose some methodological corrections that allow for reconciling these economic realities with the institutional and geographical framework offered by the local action groups (LAGs). This reconciliation is a useful tool to take advantage of the economies of agglomeration and, consequently, to explore the possibilities of endogenous development in rural areas, so that it can be a factor to take into account when planning and executing the public strategy of local and rural development. Finally, the results obtained for the specific case of Extremadura, the only Spanish region listed as a less developed one in European rural development policies, are presented.

Analysis of farms characteristics related to innovation needs: a proposal for supporting the public decision-making process

Innovation is considered as one of the key drivers for a competitive and sustainable agriculture and the European Commission highlights the importance of tailoring innovation support to farmers’ needs, especially in European Rural Development Policy (reg EU 1305/2013). The scientific literature offers a wide panorama of tools and methods for the analysis of innovation in agriculture but the lack of data on the state of innovation in the farms hampers such studies. A possibility to partially overcome this limit is the use of data collected by the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The aim of this study is to propose a method to deduce farms’ innovation needs, related to the macro objectives of European Rural Development Policy, using the economic and financial results of the Italian FADN survey. A list of farm management indicators has been identified connected with the innovation demand. Then, using FADN accounting data, indicators have been calculated for homogeneous groups of farms in terms of territory, economic size, and productive sector. In this way, critical farm issues related to innovation needs have been highlighted Finally, as an example of application, measures of the Rural Development Programs (RDP) have been proposed for each farm critical issue. This method can facilitate policy makers and Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) organizations in identifying some targeted interventions, thanks to a deep analysis of rural contexts and farm systems. The current FADN does not provide specific information concerning the implementation of innovation by farms; for this purpose, new and suitable variables should be added to the annual survey.

Leader as a European Policy for Rural Development in a Multilevel Governance Framework: A Comparison of the Implementation in France, Germany and Italy

Abstract Parts of European rural development policies are meant to empower local decision makers. These policies are implemented in very different multilevel governance contexts in the member states. We question the extent to which the institutional differences at the different levels affect the implementation of LEADER (an approach for Community-led Local Development). This contributes to a better understanding of the causes and consequences of different types of LEADER implementation. The research is based on ten case studies in France, Germany and Italy. First, there is an examination of the three different administration systems and the variations of Rural Development Programmes. Based on analyses of documents and interviews with stakeholders, we analysed institutional differences in the LEADER implementation at local level.

Evaluating Innovation in European Rural Development Programmes: Application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) Method

The quest for innovation lies at the heart of European rural development policy and is integral to the Europe 2020 strategy. While social innovation has become a cornerstone of increased competitiveness and the rural situation legitimizes public intervention to encourage innovation, the challenges of its effective evaluation are compounded by the higher ‘failure’ rate implied by many traditional performance measures. Social Return on Investment (SROI) is employed to assess the social innovation outcomes arising from implementation of Axes 1 and 3 of the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). Analysis of primary data gathered through structured face-to-face interviews from a weighted sample of 196 beneficiaries reveal that social innovation outcomes generate a total of £170.02 million of benefits from Axis 1 support measures, compared to £238.1 million of benefits generated from innovation outcomes from Axis 3 measures. Benefits are generated through four social innovation outcome categories: individual, operational, relational, and system; and range from changes in attitudes and behaviour to institutional change and new ways of structuring social relations. The paper calls for more comprehensive evaluation approaches that can capture, and value, the multiple benefits arising from social innovation, and further bespoke applications of SROI to help develop and legitimise innovation indicators that will enable stronger linkages back into the policy process.

Place-Based Policies for Sustainability and Rural Development: The Case of a Portuguese Village “Spun” in Traditional Linen

In recent decades, European rural development policies have transitioned toward a more place-based approach. This claim rests on the assumption that the diversity of resources within rural areas can be a potential source for place-shaping practices and sustainability. Moreover, this shift away from a top-down sectorial toward a more territorial focus has also shed light on the importance of agency, relations, and how people engage. Many rural areas in Europe, and particularly in Portugal, have seen a withdrawal of focus away from agriculture toward more diversified activities, where place-based approaches can untap local potential, stimulate sustainable place-shaping practices, and create significant well-being. However, some rural communities have difficulties in capitalizing on them due to unfavorable demographics such as depopulation and aging, a focus on traditional industries, and a lack of technical knowledge. The aim of the article is to discuss the role of place-based policies for enabling place-shaping practices revolving around traditional resources in rural areas and their contribution to sustainability. The study briefly highlights the recent debate around European rural development policies and illustrates their implementation through place-shaping practices via a case study in a Portuguese rural village—Várzea de Calde. The village revalorized itself and is trying to tackle marginalization processes through its traditional linen, which is a local material and immaterial resource, via collective agency and a strong sense of identity. The case study will provide empirical insights in discussing the effects of sustainable place-shaping practices stimulating by place-based policy instruments. Our conclusions highlight the positive contributions toward sustainability through improvements in social (e.g., identity) and economic well-being.

European Rural Development Policy Approaching Health Issues: An Exploration of Programming Schemes.

Malnutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes, micronutrient deficiencies, and the increase in non-communicable diseases are among the future European key challenges in health and welfare. Agriculture and rural development policies can positively contribute to a healthier and nutritious supply of food. The objective of the research is to analyze to what extent European 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 rural development programmes address the nexus between agriculture, food, health, and nutrition to respond to the evolving dietary needs. The research carries out a quali-quantitative content analysis on all 210 European rural development programmes. Results show that the interconnection between agriculture, food, health, and nutrition is present, with differences in the European agricultural and rural policy programming periods. The main interlinking issues of the nexus are food safety, food quality, diseases, nutritional aspect, animal health and welfare, plant health, and environmental health. Healthier and nutritious food-related issues are emerging, addressing dietary needs, and sustaining consumer food trends. Healthy and nutritious food is pursued by combating foodborne communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. The future Common Agricultural Policy, including its rural dimensions, should support the consumption of healthy foods produced in ways that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

Development Opportunities of Homesteads in Rural Areas a Social or an Economic Question?

Abstract The survival of special Hungarian settlement forms (homesteads), due to the increasing urbanization phenomena, raises more and more questions. Are these forms of settlements of special, natural, landscape and cultural value? Or are the empty spaces that have lost their original function, which are relocating to the growing urban agglomerations? In our research, we sought to find out what kind of vision the Hungarian ‘farm’ could have on the 21st century Hungarian Great Plain. On the one hand, our empirical research focused on a homestead survey in the Bács-Kiskun County, where we surveyed the general condition of the farms, and on the other hand we carried out an opinion survey of the population. We have tried to compare the opinion of the urban population and the vision of the people living on the farms, to identify new functions that will fit in with the European rural development policy, financial and professional support in the future. Our results show that diversified developments can help the survival and development of homesteads.

LAND CONSOLIDATION – A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Discussions of the future European rural development policy started in September 2016. Participants at the Cork 2.0 European Conference on Rural Development have declared that an innovative, integrated and inclusive rural and agricultural policy in the European Union (EU) should be guided on ten policy orientations. Rural Europe is home to more than half of the EU population and covers more than three quarters of the territory. Rural areas are also important in the preservation of Europe’s natural and cultural landscapes and heritage. EU support for investment in rural areas should focus on generating added value for society. Land management has a key role in the interface between citizens and the environment. Policies must incentivise the delivery of environmental public goods, including the preservation of Europe's natural and cultural heritage. Increased pressure on natural resources must be met by coordinated cross-sectorial policy responses. These should ensure the sustainable management of natural resources such as water, soil, and biodiversity, being the very means of agricultural and forestry production. There is a need to develop and mainstream innovative, science-based solutions that allow for producing more with less while ensuring that natural resources are at the disposal of future generations. Effective formats of knowledge exchange and advice should be developed and support provided for the adoption of well-designed land management schemes. For achieving the above-mentioned objectives, in the EU regulatory framework is envisaged a possibility for direct and indirect support for land consolidation, as a tool for sustainable rural development.

European rural entrepreneur and tourism‐based diversification: Does national culture matter?

AbstractIntegrated rural tourism assumes a pivotal role in the regeneration of rural areas. The farmer's transition towards rural tourism is influenced by diverse macroeconomic and microeconomic factors. This paper contributes to the debate on tourism‐based farm diversification by cross‐fertilizing 3 theoretical domains—integrated rural tourism, cultural contexts, and rural entrepreneurship—in order to investigate how national cultural dimensions can influence European rural entrepreneur diversification into the tourism sector. To address our research question, we analyse the tourism‐based diversification of farmers in 17 European countries that have instituted the European Rural Development Policy of 2007–2013.

25 Years of the Leader Initiative as European Rural Development Policy: The Case of Extremadura (SW Spain)

Abstract For 25 years the rural development policy has been implemented through the LEADER Approach in the EU to reduce differences between rural and urban areas, as well as to satisfy the basic needs of the population. In this paper, Extremadura is analysed, which is a Spanish region where LEADER has been applied since its inception in 1991. The objective is to assess if the distribution of rural development aids has been influenced by the diverse demographic and socioeconomic realities that Extremadura presents from the analysis of variables that represent these realities on the territory through a GIS. Following this methodology, it has been noticed that the largest investments have been executed in the most developed rural areas of the region.

The Leader Programme as a Model of Institutional Transfer: Learning from Its Local Implementation in France and Lithuania

Abstract Between 2007 and 2013, the European Rural Development Policy targets were supported by the LEADER policy, an instrument that can be interpreted differently according to each country. Based on the examples of France and Lithuania, we studied the way in which the institutional organization of the device at local level helps to understand the stakeholders system and how adaptable it is to situations in each of the corresponding countries and project areas. A comparative approach, based on a joint methodology of investigation and analysis, was used on four project areas: Joniškis and Ignalina in Lithuania, and Gévaudan-Lozère and Pays Coeur d’Hérault in France. It shows that, in all cases, a form of “municipalization” of the LEADER programme, or at least a strong integration of the association sector, is dominant and seems to be established. Studying the network of stakeholders helps to identify the interknowledge as well as the interdependency relationships that lie at the heart of the system. The development of the “social capital of individuals” is often an entry point, if not a cornerstone, of the stakeholders system in place. Finally, it is through the analysis of the project selection process that we can truly grasp the characteristics of the new public action mode, in particular by studying the allocation of projects in these local areas.

Are rural regions prioritizing knowledge transfer and innovation? Evidence from Rural Development Policy expenditure across the EU space

Knowledge transfer and innovation (KT&I) are vital for sustainable rural development. European Rural Development Policy (RDP) has a long tradition of stimulating innovation in the rural space. In particular, in the 2007–2013 programming period, some measures have been explicitly targeted to support KT&I in agriculture and in rural economies. This paper aims to analyse the spatial distribution of the actual expenditure for measures promoting KT&I across the EU over the 2007–2011 period. In order to describe the main differences affecting the territorial allocation of this support, differences at rural development programming level are firstly taken into account. Then, the paper assesses “local” differences, i.e. those concerning the expenditure intensity at the NUTS 3 level. Findings point to an uneven and sometime low uptake of available opportunities. Imbalances come from both top-down political decisions and bottom-up capacity to attract and spend EU funds. In contrast with RDP objectives, the remotest and the most agricultural EU regions tend to show a lower expenditure intensity for KT&I measures.

A reforma da PAC (2014-2020) e os percalços de sua implementação: um ensaio

This article aims to analyze some of the impressions of social actors involved in the implementation of European rural development policies, starting with the reform of the PAC (Common Agricultural Policy) for the period of 2014-2020, particularly its second pillar, with its territorial policy. In the first part, we review the main changes introduced by that reform, approved at the end of 2013. In a following section, we summarize the theoretical reference of neo-institutionalism, in a broad perspective, which seems appropriate to the analysis carried out, both in the process of horizontal institutionalization and in the structure of governance of the rural territorial development policy of the European Union. In a third section, we highlight some aspects identified by us together with some Local Action Groups (GAL), responsible in the first instance for implementing the changes introduced by the second pillar of the PAC. Finally, in a last section, taking as reference the field work carried out through qualitative interviews and the theoretical references used, we argue that the innovations introduced in the period of 2007-2013 and reformed for the period 2014-2020, modified the vertical institutions involved in rural development policy, by incorporating in its implementation the national and subnational governments, and ended up provoking, in our view, a crisis that also affects the horizontal institutions of their governance structures.

“The principle is good. The way it is implemented is bad.” Challenges of the European Rural Development Policy in Romania

“The principle is good. The way it is implemented is bad.” Challenges of the European Rural Development Policy in Romania

The Use of Spatial Econometrics, Stakeholder Analysis and Qualitative Methodologies in The Evaluation of Rural Development Policy

The analysis and evaluation of European Rural Development Policy (RDP) is challenging because of its delivery at multiple scales by multiple actors. To address this challenge the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) indicators were introduced. However, these quantitative indicators are limited by data gaps and their inability to address the less tangible aspects of policy performance. In this paper we explore, how to address these limitations through complimentary policy evaluation approaches using evidence from empirical studies. We discuss the strengths and weakness of applying three different quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches: (1) spatial econometrics; (2) stakeholder analysis; and, (3) qualitative interviews. The findings from the three methods are then triangulated proposing the potential of an integrated methodological approach to inform policy and management. A mixed method approach provides a broader understanding of how policy design, stakeholder's roles, and spatial characteristics impact on implementation and environmental targeting capacity, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the determinants of policy performance.

The LEADER Initiative has been a Victim of Its Own Success. The Decline of the Bottom‐Up Approach in Rural Development Programmes. The Cases of Wales and Andalusia

AbstractThe LEADER approach has been at the heart of European rural development policy for the last 20 years, encompassing the principles of bottom‐up endogenous development and community empowerment. Initially delivered through autonomous local action groups (LAGs), since the 2007–2013 programming period, LEADER has been integrated with other measures in broader regional rural development programmes. It has been claimed that these changes have diluted the participatory principles of this programme. We examine the extent and impact of participation in rural development through LEADER, how this has changed over time, and the factors driving changes, through surveys of LAG managers in two case study regions in Spain (Andalusia) and the UK (Wales). The findings show that LAG managers are very positive about the breadth of participation in their own group and its role in decentralising decision‐making, but critical of the structure, operation and management of LEADER in rural development programmes. In particular bureaucracy and the increased influence of regional and local government are perceived to have limited the autonomy of LAGs and to have deterred the participation of marginalised groups. The principles of this initiative are perceived to have been diluted and LEADER appears to have been a victim of its own success.