The influence of the Common Agricultural Policy on agricultural landscapes

Agriculture is both a large-scale user of land and a provider of landscapes. The adaptation of agricultural practices to local conditions has led to a wide variety of cultural in Europe. The Common Agricultural Policy being a major driver of land use and farming practices change in Europe, it also affects landscapes. The report analyzes how the CAP design and implementation have influenced the agricultural landscapes. It provides a catalogue of CAP measures that have been and are currently influencing landscapes are presented, as well as the expected effects derived from the proposal for the post 2013 CAP. It differentiates between Pillar 1 and Pillar 2, and between measures with a direct focus on landscapes vs. non-targeted measures which also have the potential to have an influence (positive or negative)). The olive and livestock sectors, where the influence of CAP on landscape is of particular interest, are also analyzed. By providing a list of the potential influences of the CAP on the landscape elements and structures valued by EU citizens, this report provides a knowledge base to support an effective CAP policy design in the direction of improved landscape management, an important component of EU project towards a more sustainable agriculture.