Farming

Common Agriculture Policy

New Member States

Distant view of Cuilcagh Mountain, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

In May 2004, ten eastern European countries joined the European Union, bringing the existing number of Member States from 15 to 25. More countries are expected to join the Union in the near future.

The new EU member states and accession countries harbour important biodiversity resources, due to their extensive areas of high natural value, especially low-intensity farmland, wetlands and forests, and Important Bird Areas. 

These are still home to a high number of globally threatened species such as the aquatic warbler, the great bustard and species of European conservation concern such as the snipe.

The enlargement of the European Union is undoubtedly one of the most important political events of our times, which has the power to bring profound changes in the land use and to the natural environment of vast areas of Europe. 

...many bird species that 20-30 years ago were still common have declined dramatically as a result of intensification of farming

These changes, however, could have both negative and positive impacts on the conservation of wild birds and their habitats, particularly on agricultural land and farmland biodiversity. 

These in particular are likely to suffer as a result of the introduction of European farming policies under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), and the influx of advanced agricultural technologies that encourage intensive production.

The RSPB’s key concern for these countries is that that their great diversity of farmland birds and other wildlife could decline. This concern is born out by the fact that in EU countries before accession, many bird species that 20-30 years ago were still common have declined dramatically as a result of intensification of farming, largely subsidised by the CAP. Declining species include corncrake, skylark, red-backed shrike, white stork and many others. 

The preservation of low input farming is vital to the conservation of much of new Member States’ biodiversity. The RSPB has been involved in policy and research work programmes, promoting conservation solution from the early stages of accession and to maximise the existing agri-environment measures that benefit birds. 

Proper funding for the management of Natura 2000 sites, the best natural sites in Europe, is also a priority that can be supported by the funds for rural development which are already available to any Member State keen to give farmland biodiversity an helping hand.

Last modified: 13 June 2005