rural development

Rural development is closely linked to the common agricultural policy and measures to support employment. Rural development has become the second pillar of the agricultural policy. With its links to agricultural activities and conversion, it is concerned in particular with: a) modernisation of farms, b) safety and quality of food products, c) fair and stable incomes for farmers, d) environmental challenges, e) supplementary or alternative job-creating activities, in a bid to halt the drift from the country and to strengthen the economic and social fabric of rural areas, f) improvement of living and working conditions, and promotion of equal opportunities.