Economic good practice
One of the main challenges facing rural agricultural communities in Europe is the production of quality food, which remains affordable. There is a fine balance to be met between running farms to high standards, and producing products that remain affordable (high input costs versus low market price). One of the main purposes of the Flagship Farms programme is to demonstrate that improved standards and good practices can provide economic benefit to the farmers.
Successful farmers maintain a standard of sufficient high-quality production through methods that are economically viable. This includes the management of crop and livestock disease in an efficient, affordable way to avoid to avoid the impact of such incidents becoming economically damaging to the farm, and possibly the wider community.
Farming supports a diverse set of European rural communities and it is crucial that agricultural development helps support the long-term economic viability of these communities.
Farming is a large employer (36% of the global working population) amongst rural communities and with increased mechanisation there are reduced labour requirements. There is a sensitive balance to strike between improving good practices in terms of new technologies and providing local employment opportunities.
Farms have demonstrated sensitivity and good practices by working closely with both producers and suppliers, enhancing relationships and ensuring secure supply and quality of product. Good practices in this area are mutually beneficial to both the farmer and other stakeholders.
Here we concentrate on 2 areas: sufficient high quality production and community investment.
