AGRIGRID aimed to develop methodological grids for the calculation of payments in rural development (RD) measures in EU member states. The project covered a representative set of EU member states with regional case studies in selected countries. These countries covered a range of natural and agronomic conditions from intensive farming with good soils and favourable climatic conditions, to extensive livestock systems in marginal areas with unfavourable natural conditions isolated from markets. The priorities in the Rural Development Plans differed in the partner countries covering all relevant RD measures. Following the new Rural Development Regulation, the project developed methodological grids for agri-environment measures, compensatory allowances, Natura 2000 payments, forestry measures and animal welfare and meeting standard measures.
Developing methodological grids for the payment calculation in different RD measures required a detailed knowledge of conditions and methods at both production level and policy level. At the production level, it was necessary to gather data on the structure and characteristics of the farming sector including natural and agronomic conditions and productions systems and techniques. At the policy level, it was necessary to know the existing methods for payment calculations in RD measures and their impacts on that structure. This has provided the basis for identifying new methods for payment calculations and the development of grids. A key issue in the development of the grids was the evaluation of data requirements and availability. The new grids required testing through case studies and the suitability of the grids for end-users needs to be ensured through continuous involvement in the proposed project.
Source: AGRIGRID project documentation.