THE IMPACT OF A COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY ON THE FRENCH RURAL TERRITORIES AND THE STAKEHOLDERS: A research study on 6 representative rural and agricultural territories in France.

International audienceThe main purpose of this research is to understand how the European subsidies of the Common Agricultural Policy have an impact over both farmers and the territories they live in. Our study reveals that the French program of rural development tends to enhance the territorial projects. Farmers who really depend on the subsidies from the CAP adopt various strategies and attitudes in order to keep their activities and income. Farmers have mainly a short term view on the prosperity of their farm. They hardly plan their future ahead and their working habits. Farmers are encouraged by the program to develop new multi- use related activities and to focus on the landscaping of the french rural territories. The zoning of the program helps understand territories differently by putting forward a new reference system. Besides, the program is aimed at making the cohabitation easier between urban and rural territories and thereby leading the stakeholders towards a better comprehension of the overall needs and requirements of the society