3.1.6_Policy Assessment multifunctional olive systems EU level

The report aims to highlight how European agricultural policies promote agroforestry systems (section 1 and 2) and support the olive sector across the EU (section 3). The report is based on the consultation of relevant papers (project reports, scientific literature, European Commission documents) dealing with agricultural policies in Europe. The first part of the report (section 1) focuses on the definition of agroforestry systems and on the extent of agroforestry practices across Europe. In particular, the report aims to highlight the discrepancy between the scientific definition of agroforestry (that includes both trees and shrubs in combination with crops and or livestock) and the definition that was initially receipted by European policy (that included only trees on arable lands, Reg. 1698/2005). This is an important legal aspect, under the political point of view, since agroforestry is usually seen on the border between the agriculture and forestry sectors creating conflicts and confusion among the stakeholder communities, in particular policy makers at different levels (national, regional and local). Section 2 of the report aims to assess the Common Agricultural Policy (2007-2013 and 2014-2020 programming periods) tools and measures promoting the establishment and management of agroforestry systems.