Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and biodiversity study
CCRI has been sub-contracted to work with the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) on a study commissioned by the Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate-General of the European Commission, into the relationship between the CAP and farmland biodiversity. Matt Rayment from GFK Consulting Ltd. is another contributing partner to the study, which began in late 2010 and is due to report at the end of 2011.
Jane Mills and Janet Dwyer, supported by Julie Ingram, are providing CCRI’s input to the work, which includes examining the linkages between farming, biodiversity and the wider rural economy (for example, how general rural decline can affect the way in which farming activities influence biodiversity, or how certain biodiverse farming systems are able to provide direct economic benefits through local marketing and branding initiatives). They will also examine the socio-economic barriers and opportunities to biodiversity management that arise from farmers’ attitudes towards different policy mechanisms, including agri-environment schemes and environmental regulations. The study will involve seminars in Brussels and a contribution of recommendations for the CAP beyond 2013, which will feed into new draft regulations later this year.
