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Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies

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A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 33078

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Stanislav Zekić

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Economics in Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Segedinski put 9-11, 24000 Subotica, Serbia
Interests: agricultural policy; agricultural development; agri-food trade; rural policy and development; EU integration

Dr. Bojan Matkovski

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Economics in Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Segedinski put 9-11, 24000 Subotica, Serbia
Interests: agricultural economics; agricultural development and policy; rural development and policy; agri-food trade

Dr. Žana Jurjević

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Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rural areas are significant in the European Union, particularly considering that their population represents about 20% of the European total, but their GDP per capita is significantly below the European average. Given the importance of rural areas, within the framework of rural development policy, the European Union has set goals for the growth of rural regions, but also growth in terms of employment and living standards: improving the competitiveness of agriculture, achieving sustainable management of natural resources and climate action, and the balanced territorial development of rural areas. Bearing in mind the heterogeneity of rural areas in the EU, the creation of an adequate rural strategy that will rely on local capacities and strengthen the competitiveness of agriculture has been determined to be a necessity according to the most recently published vision for the European Union’s rural areas. According to this vision, preserving rural areas and investing in their future is very important, as rural areas are a core part of Europe’s identity and economic potential.

The goal of this Special Issue is to collect papers (original research articles and review papers) that provide insights into the rural development strategies of the European Union that rely on strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector but also on local capacities and specificities. As agriculture is often the dominant economic activity in rural areas, this Special Issue aims to look at practices intended to improve the competitiveness of agriculture in a way that will contribute to rural development in the EU and the candidate countries for EU membership. Also, to build new opportunities with a stronger voice for rural communities, research that looks at local specificities that can improve rural development is of great importance.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

European policies and strategies in the field of rural development;
EU rural development policy after 2027;
Vision for EU rural areas;
The impact of agricultural development on the development of rural areas of the EU;
Appreciation of local specificities in the development of EU rural areas.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Stanislav Zekić
Dr. Bojan Matkovski
Dr. Žana Jurjević
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable rural development
rural development programs and strategies
vision for rural areas
agricultural development
local economic development

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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39 pages, 370 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contradictions of Rural Development, Agri-Environmental Policy, Agroecological Transitions and Alternative Visions for Agriculture and Food Security in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Regions in Sweden and Italy

by Cristián Alarcón-Ferrari, Alessandra Corrado, Johanna Bergman Lodin, Margarita Cuadra, Marcelo Garrido, Mario Pullano and Kajsa Skinnars

Land 2026, 15(8), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15081391 - 2 Aug 2026

Viewed by 293

Abstract

Ensuring local and sustainable food security is gaining an important role in rural development strategies at national and regional scales in Europe. This relies to an important degree upon the implementation of new, or old, agri-environmental policy, namely, policies at the intersection of agriculture and the environment. Yet, the incorporation of agri-environmental policy in rural development strategies at the regional level creates, and often accelerates, contradictions between existing rural development paths and the structural changes needed to achieve both environmental objectives and economically viable agricultural development. Within this context, agroecological transitions are framed as key for transformations of national food systems. However, understanding the prospects and barriers for agroecological transitions and food security at the regional level requires a much deeper understanding of how national and international food policies shape and are shaped by long political economic trajectories of rural development with competing interests. In this paper, we explore these contradictions of rural development in Europe by comparatively analyzing the political nature of potential agroecological transitions in Europe and how these transitions interact with agri-environmental policies and rural development strategies at the regional level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

33 pages, 3374 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Rural Economies Through Young Farmer Support: A Romanian Case Within the European Union Policy Framework

by Aurelia Ioana Chereji, Nicolae Bold, Monica Angelica Dodu, Ioan Chereji, Cristina Maria Maerescu, Doru Anastasiu Popescu and Irina Adriana Chiurciu

Land 2026, 15(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010131 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 919

Abstract

The establishment of a young farmer in the rural economy is a key stage in the process of farm succession in the rural development environment. In this matter, Pillar II of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has a distinct approach related to financing the initiatives of this establishment. A young farmer can obtain funds for their agricultural activity by submitting a funding project proposal to the national agency. The success of a funding project proposal depends on various factors. In this paper, a model of prediction and classification using supervised learning algorithms, primarily Random Forest (RF) and Logistic Regression (LR), was developed to predict project selection outcomes and identify the key determinants of success. This was developed in relation to proposals submitted in the period 2014–2021 through Sub-Measure 6.1 and through the intervention for the young farmer installation intervention under the 2023–2027 CAP Strategic Plan (DR-30 (2023–2027)—Young Farmer Installation, indicated in this paper as DR 30) for the period of 2023–2027. Using the historical data related to this proposal, several models that use automated learning were developed in order to predict the success of a proposal based on specific determinants. In addition, a classification model was used to determine patterns in the proposal data, obtaining several project proposal clusters with common characteristics. The variables and selection criteria with the greatest impact on the final score and probability of acceptance were identified, highlighting the differences between sub-measures and the implications for generational renewal policies in rural areas. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of predictive modeling, classification, and clustering within a unified, policy-oriented analytical framework applied to real administrative data. The results reveal that project selection outcomes are driven primarily by formal scoring components, while structural characteristics such as farm economic size and planned investment play a secondary but consistent role across programming periods. These findings provide actionable insights for refining selection criteria and advisory mechanisms under the Common Agricultural Policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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12 pages, 433 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bridging Agriculture and Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship: Farmers’ Insights on the Adoption of Agrivoltaic Systems

by Dimitra Lazaridou, Eirini Papadimitriou and Marios Trigkas

Land 2026, 15(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010113 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1307

Abstract

Agrivoltaic systems (AVs) combine agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, enabling the dual use of land resources. This approach has gained increasing attention as a promising strategy to address pressing social, environmental, and energy challenges. Although the global expansion of AVs is accelerating, empirical research remains limited—particularly regarding farmers’ perspectives on adopting such systems. This study investigates Greek farmers’ perceptions and attitudes toward the adoption of photovoltaic technologies in agricultural practices. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a sample of 287 participants selected using purposive convenience sampling, based on predefined inclusion criteria relevant to the objectives of the study. The data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model to identify factors positively associated with farmers’ willingness to adopt AVs. The findings reveal that 46.3% of farmers expressed willingness to adopt AVs, indicating a moderate level of acceptance. The logistic regression results indicated that higher education levels (OR = 3.53, p = 0.007), membership in farmers’ organizations (OR = 2.00, p = 0.001), and familiarity with agro-energy concepts (OR = 3.49, p = 0.016) significantly increased farmers’ motivation to engage as renewable energy producers. The model demonstrates a moderate level of explanatory power (Nagelkerke R² = 0.37). The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the key factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt AVs, contributing to a deeper understanding of the decision-making processes involved. Based on these findings, it is recommended that agricultural policies and community-based renewable energy initiatives focus on targeted education and extension services, the strengthening of farmers’ organizations to facilitate collective decision-making, and the implementation of focused agro-energy information campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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33 pages, 304 KB

Open AccessArticle

LEADER Territorial Cooperation in Rural Development: Added Value, Learning Dynamics, and Policy Impacts

by Giuseppe Gargano and Annalisa Del Prete

Land 2025, 14(7), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071494 - 18 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

This study examines the added value of territorial cooperation within the LEADER approach, a key pillar of the EU’s rural development policy. Both interterritorial and transnational cooperation projects empower Local Action Groups (LAGs) to tackle common challenges through innovative and community-driven strategies. Drawing on over 3000 projects since 1994, LEADER cooperation has proven its ability to deliver tangible results—such as joint publications, pilot projects, and shared digital platforms—alongside intangible benefits like knowledge exchange, improved governance, and stronger social capital. By facilitating experiential learning and inter-organizational collaboration, cooperation enables stakeholders to work across territorial boundaries and build networks that respond to both national and transnational development issues. The interaction among diverse actors often fosters innovative responses to local and regional problems. Using a mixed-methods approach, including case studies of Italian LAGs, this research analyses the dynamics, challenges, and impacts of cooperation, with a focus on learning processes, capacity building, and long-term sustainability. Therefore, this study focuses not only on project outcomes but also on the processes and learning dynamics that generate added value through cooperation. The findings highlight how territorial cooperation promotes inclusivity, fosters cross-border dialogue, and supports the development of context-specific solutions, ultimately enhancing rural resilience and innovation. In conclusion, LEADER cooperation contributes to a more effective, participatory, and sustainable model of rural development, offering valuable insights for the broader EU cohesion policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

35 pages, 1054 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Transformation and Precision Farming as Catalysts of Rural Development

by Andrey Ronzhin, Aleksandra Figurek, Vladimir Surovtsev and Khapsat Dibirova

Land 2025, 14(7), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071464 - 14 Jul 2025

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9218

Abstract

The European Union’s developing rural development plan places digital and precision agriculture at the centre of agricultural modernisation and economic development. This article examines how agricultural practices in rural EU regions are being influenced by smart technology, such as drones, IoT sensors, satellite-based research, and AI-driven platforms, through an analysis of recent data from sources across the European Union. This study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of strategic policy documents and EU databases, to evaluate the ways in which precision agriculture reduces input consumption, increases productivity, reduces labour shortages and rural area depopulation, and improves sustainability. By investing in infrastructure, developing communities for data exchange, and organising training for farmers, European policies such as the Strategic Plans of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the SmartAgriHubs initiative, and the AgData program actively encourage the transition to digital agriculture. Cyprus is analysed as a case study to show how targeted investments and initiatives supported by the EU can help smaller countries, with limited natural resources, to realise the benefits of digital transformation in agriculture. A special focus is placed on how solutions adapted to agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions can contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, attracting young people to get involved in this field and opening up new economic opportunities. The results of previous research indicate that digital agriculture not only improves productivity but also proves to be a strategic mechanism for attracting and retaining young people in rural areas. Thus, this work additionally contributes to the broader goal of the European Union—the development of smart, inclusive, and sustainable rural areas, in which digital technologies are not only seen as tools for efficiency but also as key means for integrated and long-term rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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37 pages, 3451 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes and Challenges in EU Agricultural Holdings and Their Impact on Rural Development

by Emilia Herman

Land 2025, 14(5), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051080 - 16 May 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8687

Abstract

This study examines the impact of structural characteristics of agricultural holdings on their agricultural performance and contribution to rural development in EU countries over the past decade to identify potential measures to enhance rural development. The results of the paired samples t-test reveal a structural shift in EU agriculture between 2010 and 2020 toward larger, more productive, and capital-intensive farms alongside a decline in small-scale and subsistence farming, improved agricultural incomes, and rural economic growth. However, persistent challenges such as rural depopulation, declining employment, and ongoing poverty remain. A cluster analysis identified five distinct agricultural models and reflects some notable transitions: Eastern European countries increasingly moved toward mixed farming (e.g., Latvia, Lithuania, and Hungary) or large-scale commercial farming (e.g., the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Slovakia), subsistence and small-scale farming became more concentrated in Bulgaria and Romania, and Western and Northern countries maintained high levels of modernization, with Ireland progressing and the Netherlands standing out as a distinct high-tech agricultural model. The five distinct agricultural clusters identified underline the need for regionally tailored policies. Hierarchical regression shows that while improvements in agricultural performance, particularly increased labor productivity, contribute to rural GDP per capita growth, they have a limited impact on rural poverty. Therefore, enhancing sustainable rural development requires more comprehensive and integrated strategies that not only promote productivity-driven agricultural reforms and innovation in advanced systems but also address the specific needs of lagging countries through structural transformation, capacity building, and targeted support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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17 pages, 3213 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Territorial Brands for Rural Development Strategies in Protected Natural Spaces: A Social Demand Analysis

by José A. Albaladejo-García, Gonzalo Martínez-García and José M. Martínez-Paz

Land 2025, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010039 - 28 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3082

Abstract

The economic decline of some rural areas is leading to the development of strategies to enhance the value of local economies. This is particularly important in protected natural spaces, where the aim is to encourage the provision of ecosystem services and strengthen commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. One of the rural development strategies with a growing interest in promoting the sustainability of rural areas in protected natural spaces is the use of territorial brands. The objective of this work is to analyse the social demand for territorial-branded products in protected natural spaces. The territorial brand of Sierra Espuña Regional Park (southeastern Spain) was selected as a pragmatic case, with the aim of promoting the production and consumption of sustainable local products. To this end, a contingent valuation survey of consumers was carried out to study the demand for honey, one of the most characteristic products of this territorial brand. The results demonstrate the high social demand for honey under the Sierra Espuña Territorial Brand, with an average surcharge of almost thirty percent compared to the conventional product, and a positive influence of the perception of supporting ecosystem services on this social demand. These results provide an empirical basis for the integration and promotion of production and marketing strategies with territorial brands, in the interests of rural development from and for the territory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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15 pages, 1445 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Methodological Framework for Evaluation of Rural Settlements: Rural Index of Serbia

by Žana Jurjević, Bojan Matkovski, Danilo Đokić and Stanislav Zekić

Land 2024, 13(12), 2183; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122183 - 14 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

The lowest administrative-territorial unit in Serbia is a settlement, whereby the administrative criterion of dividing settlements into “urban” and “other” is inadequate for describing the rural area, which is extremely differentiated in Serbia due to various factors. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the typology of settlements in accordance with different development characteristics, with a special emphasis on areas that are lagging in development. The goal of this research is to present a rural index of Serbia. The importance of this research is reflected in the methodological improvement of the classification of rural settlements in Serbia. This approach indicates the development potential and limitations of local areas in Serbia, which is the basis for support and financing of local development programs. The results point to different categories of rural settlements: rural settlements heavily influenced by the urban center; transitional rural settlements, i.e., rural centers; socio-economically devastated rural settlements; “retired”, abandoned, disappearing rural settlements, where it is necessary to adapt strategies and policies to different types. The results of the research provide important information to policymakers where specific development strategies for different types of settlements are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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Review

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15 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessReview

Farm Sustainability Indicators—Exploring FADN Database

by Mirela Tomaš Simin, Danica Glavaš-Trbić, Aleksandar Miljatović, Jelena Despotović and Tihomir Novaković

Land 2025, 14(10), 1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101950 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development has been widely analyzed in scientific literature and is understood as a process aimed at balancing human activities with the environment. Sustainable agricultural systems generate economic value, manage natural resources responsibly, and support rural development. Modern agricultural production, however, faces challenges across these dimensions, making their assessment essential for the long-term viability of farms. This paper introduces indicators of economic, ecological, and social sustainability for agricultural holdings, using the FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) database as a foundation. The structured nature of FADN allows for consistent analysis of sustainability, while additional indicators assess the impact of agricultural policy on farm performance. Together, these provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving farm sustainability. The main contribution of the study is the establishment of a set of feasible indicators that can be derived from the FADN database to support comprehensive sustainability assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Development Strategies in the EU: Strengthening Agricultural Sectors and Local Economies)

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