The European water framework directive aims to protect the environmental quality of water and encourage its efficient use. EU member states are required to implement efficient water management systems and appropriate water-pricing methods. This paper examines the economic effects that may arise...

Farm direct payments (DPs) have been the main instrument of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to support farm income in the EU. This paper addresses the role of direct payments granted in the context of the market and income support policies and of rural development policies in the...

This work discusses the conflict between two of the main objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive: cost recovery and economic efficiency in the use of irrigation water. In the Mediterranean region, this conflict is commonly embedded in a state of under-utilization of irrigation networks...

Direct payments are the main instrument of support to farm incomes in the European Union. After their decoupling from production, the redistributive goal has become a major political justification for maintaining this support tool. This paper analyzes the role of direct payments in the formation...

Considering that risk management can improve the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises, since 2009 the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has introduced measures to support certain risk management tools, including agricultural insurance. The recent CAP reform proposals suggest shifting them...

Most types of agricultural insurance in Italy is managed by Consorsi di Difesa (CdD). These are farm cooperatives providing several services to their members. This paper estimates the benefits that are generated for farmers by the following three services: collective bargaining with insurance...