The European Union of presently 27 member states has a large variety within its own boundaries. Still there are common policies for agriculture, food and rural areas, although with many differences in relation to specific conditions in member states. Due to policy reforms, starting with the Mac Sharry reform in 1992, the European Union is on a long-term path to a freer and open market with a lot of attention for food quality and the development of rural areas. For agriculture the `traditional¿ market and price policy is largely replaced by decoupled direct income support. Policies in relation to food quality, food safety and animal welfare as well as environment, landscape and rural development receive increased attention at EU and member state level. The European Union is becoming a leader in food standards and rural policy. Many well-known specialists contributed their up-to-date knowledge to this book. It has been developed in close collaboration with government officials and scientists, also in relation to courses organised by Wageningen Business School. The book can be used for scientific and professional education (bachelor level), but could function easily as background text in master courses. Business executives, government officials and participants of non-governmental organisations will find this book to be of interest.

The European Union varies widely within its boundaries. Still, there are common policies for agriculture, food and rural areas, although with many differences in relation to specific conditions in Member States. Starting with the Mac Sharry reform in 1992, the EU is on a long-term path to freer and more open markets. Traditional EU market and price measures are now largely replaced by `decoupled¿ direct income support, and further steps are being prepared. There is increased attention at both EU and Member-State levels to food quality, food safety and animal welfare, as there is also to the environment and the development of rural areas. The Union is thus becoming a leader in food and rural policies. Many experts have contributed their up-to-date knowledge to this book. It is suitable for scientific and professional education at bachelor level, and as a supporting text in master level courses. Business executives, officials and non-governmental organisations will also find this book to be of interest. Second, completely revised edition. 'I am sure that it will give huge insight in the complex Common Agricultural Policy' Mariann Fischer-Boel at Brussels, 27 January 2010 'It might be argued that there is no need for another book on the CAP (...). But this book is rather different, and it certainly fills a gap in the literature.' Wilfred Legg, Eurochoices 9(2) 'This is a particularly innovative approach in phase with the way agricultural economics should now be taught.' Jean-Christoph Bureau, ERAE 37(4) 'Readers will be pleased by the broad perspective of this book, which covers many interesting EU policy areas.' Mariann Fischer-Boel (Preface) and David Blandford, JAE 62(1)

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy which imposes high costs on taxpayers and consumers yet has proved very difficult to reform. Particular emphasis is placed on new developments affecting the shape of the CAP, including the outcome of the GATT Uruguay Round negotiations, Eastern enlargement, and developments in environmental policy. A distinctive feature of the book is the attention given to situating European agriculture within its global context and in relation to the food processing and agricultural supply industries.

The Oxford Handbook of the European Union brings together numerous acknowledged specialists in their field to provide a comprehensive and clear assessment of the nature, evolution, workings, and impact of European integration.

Considering the detrimental environmental impact of current food systems, and the concerns raised about their sustainability, there is an urgent need to promote diets that are healthy and have low environmental impacts. These diets also need to be socio-culturally acceptable and economically accessible for all. Acknowledging the existence of diverging views on the concepts of sustainable diets and healthy diets, countries have requested guidance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on what constitutes sustainable healthy diets. These guiding principles take a holistic approach to diets; they consider international nutrition recommendations; the environmental cost of food production and consumption; and the adaptability to local social, cultural and economic contexts. This publication aims to support the efforts of countries as they work to transform food systems to deliver on sustainable healthy diets, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs at country level, especially Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action).

This book analyses the functioning of factor markets for agriculture in the EU-27 and several candidate countries.

Following Serbia's acceptance as a candidate for EU membership, its agriculture and rural issues will receive major attention as agriculture is an important activity in Serbia, especially in the low-income rural areas. This raises questions such as: what will be the main challenges of EU membership for Serbia? What will EU membership imply for the structure and performance of the agri-food supply chain? How should Serbia address the adjustment process to comply with EU rules and face economic market forces best? This book explores the consequences of preparing for EU accession for Serbia's agricultural policies and its agri-food supply chain. The book presents a comprehensive description of Serbia's agricultural and food sectors, agricultural policies, trade, environmental, animal and plant health issues, and also addresses budgetary consequences of EU membership for both Serbia and the EU.

This annual report monitors and evaluates agricultural policies in 54 countries, including the 38 OECD countries, the five non-OECD EU Member States, and 11 emerging economies. This year’s report focuses on policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and analyses the implications of agricultural support policies for the performance of food systems.

Integrating environmental policies into the policies of all other sectors is the core European environmental policy. But there has been no thorough investigation of the political process involved. This volume provides the first. It analyses the process of policy integration - the greening of public policy - across the relevant sectors and countries. It finds significant variation from sector to sector and from country to country, and analyses the reasons for this. (Surprisingly the UK, traditionally the 'dirty man' of Europe is far more actively engaged than environmental 'progressives' such as Germany.) It identifies the obstacles to integration and offers solutions for policy formulation, decision making and implementation at the relevant political levels.

First Published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.