ABSTRACT
Like all farmland, the future of wood-pastures depends to some extent on agricultural policy as a key driver of rural land use, especially in the EU. In this chapter I explore briefly the ways in which the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU influences wood-pastures. First, I look at how the CAP has changed from a policy that simply subsidised farm production to the current system of farm income payments calculated per hectare of farmland, but not linked to farming activity. Second, I expose the way in which the rules governing these farm income payments have discriminated against wood-pastures, and also the perverse effects of subsidies for farmland afforestation. Third, I consider the possibilities for an improved CAP that gives full recognition to wood-pastures and their special values.
