Module Identifier RS30110  
Module Title EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Mr Garth Hughes  
Semester Semester 2  
Pre-Requisite Economics Level 1  
Assessment Exam   2 Hours   50%  
  Essay     50%  

Aims of the module
The overall aim of this module is to explain the development and consequences of agricultural policy in the European Union and the emergence of an environmental dimension to these policies during the last decade. The emphasis will be on economic analysis but the importance of political and social factors is also recognised.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:

i) explain the nature of the Common Agricultural Policy and the pressures
there have been for its reform

ii) describe the main elements of the 1992 reform and identify further pressures
and policy options

iii) to identify the environmental issues concerning agriculture and the actual and
potential policy responses

iv) to understand the contribution that economics can make to policy evaluation

Syllabus / Curriculum design
Topics: The nature of the CAP; objectives and policy instruments; economics and the CAP; the pressures for reform of the CAP; new policies; environmental considerations; general environmental policies; agriculture and environmental policy; environmentally sensitive areas; environmental conservation and the future of the less favoured areas; pressures and options for further change

Reading Lists
Books
Ritson C & Harvey D (eds). (1991) The Common Agricultural Policy and the world economy: Essays in honour of John Ashton. CABI
Midmore P and Hughes G. (1996) Rural Wales : an economic and social perspective.
(1994) Agriculture and the environment. Club de Bruxelles

Technical Reports
(1994) Agricultural Policy for the 21st Century, European Economy No 4. European Commission Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs
(1994) The Economics of the Common Agricultural Policy, European Economy No 5. European Commission Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs