LSIRD NAPLIO CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

Developing a conceptual framework for agricultural and environmental policy adapted to Mediterranean areas - some proposals derived from case studies.

Elements taken from case studies

François de Casabianca

This study is based on the analysis of severely handicapped rural areas in the Mediterranean region.

Contrary to areas of productive agriculture, the analysis of these case studies has confirmed the theoretical hypothesis that agricultural policy and effective management of rural areas cannot be combined and achieved in a satisfactory way, based essentially on an economic approach justified only by the laws of the market.

The development of disadvantaged regions of the Mediterranean, which themselves reflect the downside of the play of market forces, demands an approach which integrates environmental and social aspects with an economic reappraisal within the context of development.

Some distinct themes can be identified which are important for an agricultural and rural policy which addresses these concerns. In such a policy, which may be adjusted as a result of trials in a number of situations, each region should be left an important margin to take better account of regional and local diversity, without, however, leaving disadvantaged regions all the financial weight of such adjustments. The policy should advocate that the principle of subsidiarity operates down to the local level.

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