Focusing on objectives – simplifying delivery

1. Focusing on objectives – simplifying delivery • Rural Development, an EU policy? • The Strategic approach, a welcomed approach - Reinforcing the visibility of the policy • Legitimacy, community added value • Continuation as the II:nd pillar of the CAP

2. Addressing EU and Swedish objectives • Stronger requirements on balance to fulfil common objectives • No EU support without a common point of departure • 3 general objectives, 4 axes but 32 measures? • The policy should promote the linkage between sustainable development and profitability / competitiveness

3. Implementation, Sweden • Integrating all rural areas under one common framework, one fund, one regulation • New links between the SFP and RD, one common baseline and national requirements for RD • Clear objectives, a transparent strategy to be met with a complex structure of measures • Positive experiences implementing the II:nd pillar, concerned about flexibility, the ability applying an integrated approach and high quality evaluations

4. Swedish environmental objectives that call for an integrated approach • “By 2010 all meadows and grazing land will be preserved and managed in such a way as to preserve its value. The area of traditionally managed meadow land will increase by at least 5,000 hectares and the area of the most endangered types of managed grazing land will increase by at least 13,000 hectares by 2010.” • “At least 12,000 hectares of wetlands and ponds will be established or restored on agricultural land by 2010”

5. Restoration and cultivation of pastures and meadows • Restoration project - art. 33 • compensation covering 90 % of the cost • detailed plan to be followed – full payment only after finalizing restoration in accordance with the plan • Continuous cultivation – agri-environmental support • 110 euro/hectare for all permanent pastures and meadows for basic cultivation • another 150 euro/hectare to the most valuable pastures and meadows in need of special cultivation or restrictions • possible additional support for scythe hay-making, pollarding of trees etc. • Training for farmers • Management plans, free training to improve management skills etc.

6. How are we doing? • Increased area of valuable grassland habitats • 93 % fulfilment of the acreage objective  no more decline in the management and cultivation of permanent pastures • Training has improved quality in maintenance and cultivation – successful training schemes correlates to better result in the on the spot checks

7. Future possible regionalized system for pastures Regional / local programme Additional support Basic support Single farm payment

8. The process • In 2004 an enquiry committee with parliamentary representation was established. The committee presented a proposal on strategic guidance for the new RDP in May 2005. • Min. of agriculture is preparing a communication to the parliament with further strategic guidance. In line with this the national strategy document on RD will be prepared. • The RD-budget is to be decided by the parliament while the content in the RDP will be handled on governmental level.