A qualitative analysis of Common Agricultural Policy and social demands on agriculture

Abstract

Rural areas have undergone deep changes, motivated both by the progress of welfare society in the European Union and the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Similarly, the CAP has been modified in order to respond to these changes and progress. Thus, in relation to this complex feedback between rural areas, society and the CAP, the paper tries to determine, on the one hand, if CAP measures (including rural development policy measures) in the Agenda 2000 and the Mid-Term Review of 2003 respond to rural and environmental problems; and, on the other hand, if society demands rural and environmental functions from agriculture. We apply exploratory qualitative methods of structured consultation with experts, a survey, and citizens, three focus groups, in order to solve both questions. The results find that the CAP does not lead to an agriculture that meets rural needs, and that there is a social demand for the environmental and rural functions of agriculture.