The Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) Directive (75/268) which was introduced in 1975, was the first common European instrument of regional agricultural structural policy. LFAs are areas where agriculture is hampered by permanent natural handicaps. The major objectives were to ensure the continuation...

The modern concept of rural development implies the use of agricultural resources, primarily agricultural land, for other (nonagricultural) activities besides its agricultural purpose. The integral aim of this concept of rural development is the maximization of economic results, besides the...