02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies How does Rural Development Policy contribute to Agriculture? Dr Simon Davies

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies What do we want for and from Agriculture?  Economic efficiency  Provision of safe and nutritious food  International competitiveness  Long-term protection of natural resources  Social, cultural and historic sustainability

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies What are our tools of rural policy?  Rural Development Programme axes: 1.Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector 2.Improving the environment and the countryside 3.The quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy 4.Leader  Many other areas of government intervention: – Transport, Education, Healthcare, Housing, etc.  Other community support instruments especially the structural funds

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies Diversified enterprises and pluriactivity  Does it obstruct rural development by hindering the transfer of resources, farm consolidation, etc. or  Does it enhance rural development by providing a social and financial base for farms?

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies The wider rural economy  Off-farm employment opportunities.  Local markets.  Rural service provision.  Rural banking sector.  Improved infrastructure.

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies Routes to success  Know the area.  Have a vision.  (Re-)connect farming and rural service sector.  Utilise knowledge.  Sign-post information sources.  Know what you are funding.

02/12/08“How does Rural development Policy Contribute to Agriculture?” Simon Davies Thank you for your attention!