Designing coherent policy frameworks for farm diversification

By diversifying their activities through productive and non-productive investments, farm businesses can become stronger, more competitive, and resilient to current and future challenges. The CAP can play a key role in creating conducive conditions for successful and sustainable farm diversification.

This document presents four key areas for action to design coherent, long-term policy frameworks that support farm diversification: strategy and data, policy and funding alignment, place-based implementation, and the skills, services and cooperation needed to make diversification work in practice.

These areas of action were identified by a committed group of CAP stakeholders, gathered in the Thematic Group (TG) on Farm diversification, which explored success factors and challenges for farm diversification. This document is intended to support policymakers and those working with them in shaping farm diversification strategies that deliver meaningful outcomes for farm incomes, innovation and vibrant, liveable rural areas.

This document is complemented by other documents produced by the TG: an overview of farm diversification across the EU, a compendium of examples, and nine proposals to support farm diversification across the EU.

Visit the TG page to access all these documents and other related resources that can support farm diversification as a tool for stronger and more sustainable agri-food businesses, as well as a dedicated Projects Brochure with eight inspiring stories of small-sized and family farms that have used the CAP to diversify their activities, with an eye on the future of their businesses, their communities and the planet.