Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Current Status of Advisory and Extension Services for
Organic Agriculture in Europe and Turkey
Orhan Özçatalbaş
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58541
1. Introduction
Europe continent is covering more than 50 countries and the third most populous and the
world's second-smallest continent by surface area of which 28 belong to the European Union
(EU). The European Union reached its current size of 28 member countries with the accession
of Croatia on July 1, 2013. The EU was not always as big as it is today. When European countries
started to cooperate economically in 1951, only Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg
and the Netherlands participated. Since that day, more and more countries decided to join the
Union. As it known the European Union was built after the Second World War by the six
countries who signed the Treaty of Rome in 1957. Since its creation European agricultural
policy discussions have been dominated by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has always
been adapted to respond to the challenges of its time. From its start in 1962, the CAP begins
to restore Europe's capacity to feed itself. In the 1980s production control measures begin. The
CAP refocuses on quality, safety and affordability of food and on becoming greener, fairer and
more efficient. The EU's role as the world's biggest trader in farm goods gives it additional
responsibilities. A big CAP reform package in 1992 requires farmers to assume responsibility
for environment protection and sustainable agriculture [13].
Significant reforms have been also made in recent years, notably in 2003 and during the CAP
Health check in 2008, to modernise the sector and make it more market-oriented. The Europe
2020 strategy offers a new perspective. In this context, through its response to the new
economic, social, environmental, climate related and technological challenges facing our
society, the CAP can contribute more to developing intelligent, sustainable and inclusive
growth. The CAP must also take greater account of the wealth and diversity of agriculture in
the EU Member States. As a result it is adapted to meet the challenges ahead by being more
efficient and contributing to a more competitive and sustainable EU agriculture. EU agriculture
