Agriculture and Environment in Relation to the European Research Area

Abstract

The relationship between agriculture and the environment is a subject of great public interest. It involves politicians, consumers, industry and farmers. Furthermore, it is a subject of specific European interest in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), CAP reform and the multifunctionality of agriculture. This makes agriculture and environment highly relevant subjects to discuss in relation to future joint European research. Research should aim at greater sustainability of agriculture, involving natural, economic and social sciences in an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, the further development of agri-environmental indicators is considered a valuable tool. Seven specific priority areas for joint European research, possibly by means of centres of excellence, are proposed.