A new study analyses the role of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in creating rural jobs, concluding that the policy supports the survival of small-scale farms and contributes to sustain and develop rural economies.

The study, conducted by the European Parliament’s Think Tank draws on EU-level statistical analysis, as well as detailed Member State reviews and case studies. It highlights that Rural Development policy (Pillar II of the CAP) has a positive effect on rural employment and that “[w]here resources are highly focused and integrated (e.g. through supply chain focus…), Pillar II can be more effective.”