Principles of International Development Law

Book excerpt: The growing population of Europe needs adequate and wholesome food at reasonable prices and a sufficient supply of pure drinking water. Accommodating this need and the many other pressures on land while maintaining biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes is a matter of continuing concern and debate in Europe. The changing nature of agriculture, concerns about agricultural subsidies and surpluses, food and water quality issues, and discussion of the future of the European Union (EU)'s Common Agricultural Policy have all increased the intensity of this debate in recent years. Through its discussion of how best to achieve sustainable land use, Agriculture and Sustainable Land Use in Europe tackles this wide range of issues, examining problems faced by the EU concerning the future of rural communities, the maintenance of an attractive and diverse countryside, and more. This work comprises papers presented at two conferences organised by groups of European Environmental Advisory Councils. These papers offer the reader access to a broad range of experience and points of view, making Agriculture and Sustainable Land Use in Europe a contribution of particular value to the debate on these issues.