ABSTRACT
The process of policy-making the EU rural development policy is under pressure from several forces and constituencies that are loosely described as ‘ingredients of development’ in the literature. We argue that, while such forces, constituencies and interests tend to be prioritised by EU policy-makers, additional groups and influences that are highlighted in this chapter require greater representation and more effective consideration. Examples of the above are typically subsumed under the sustainability (greening), regeneration (landscape management), regulation and modernisation paradigms of rural studies and regional studies / regional science. Additional issues addressed by us, encompass viability and sustainability of family farming as factors which are potentially contributing to rural stabilisation and generational renewal. In conclusion, a fundamental question is raised of whether rural studies and rural development policy should, in certain cases and contexts, seek stabilisation of socio-economic development instead. The above issues are important, especially in the context of existing EU CAP reforms and the general political context of future (including post-Brexit) EU Rural Policy.
