Farming jobs across Europe

support is likely to destroy jobs elsewhere in the economy. Providing preferential treatment to agriculture may result in higher agricultural employment, but the implied discrimination against other sectors will cost more in terms of lost jobs which might also be better-paying.

There may well be a desire to create or maintain agricultural jobs because these jobs are predominantly located in rural areas which may have limited alternative sources of employment. But while agriculture continues to be a major part of the local economy in some regions, it is increasingly the case that ‘rural’ is no longer synonymous with ‘agriculture’ and ‘agriculture’ is no longer synonymous with ‘rural’.

In any case, it still makes more sense to focus on ‘smart’ agricultural supports and in- vestment, which help farmers and local communities to overcome specific barriers and constraints to improving their productivity, rather than relying on generalised income support, which may or may not have a positive impact on agricultural employment.

Helping farmers to avoid or to cope with extremes of market price volatility can encourage agricultural investment by reducing risk. Preventing unfair practices where they occur and ensuring an equitable distribution of value added and risk along the food supply chain will also help to encourage agricultural growth.

Promoting innovation by supporting agricultural research and the diffusion of new ideas through knowledge transfer networks and operational groups makes absolute sense. Also, helping farmers to improve rural amenities and to provide public goods can add to local economic activity by attracting new residents or visitors to rural areas, or by creating service-based activities.

Exploring and supporting opportunities for renewable energy on farms is yet another example where sensible policy measures can support job creation.

At farm level, many of these activities are already supported through the Irish Rural Development Programme. However, funding remains an issue and this will become a more binding constraint after 2020 when the new CAP budget envelope is agreed.

If we really want to focus CAP spending on jobs, it will be important to prioritise these ‘smart’ support schemes in the coming negotiations.

Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at Trinity College Dublin