Within its Agenda 2000 reform package, the EU has introduced a new rural development policy which streamlines rural development measures implemented in its Member States. All measures falling under this pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are notified under the Green Box. These fall into two groups. Firstly, the new accompanying measures of the 1992 McSharry reform, such as early retirement, agri-environment and afforestation, as well as the less-favoured areas (LFA) scheme. Second, the measures to modernize and diversify agricultural holdings, which are farm investment, setting up young farmers, training, investment aid for processing and marketing facilities as well as additional assistance for forestry, and promotion.
