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Rural developmentHalf of the population in the 27 Member States of the European Union lives in rural areas, which cover 90% of the territory. Rural development is a vitally important policy area at all levels. We claim that forestry remains crucial for land use and the management of natural resources in the EU’s rural areas beyond 2013 too and can serve for economic diversification in rural communities.
Family forest owners and forestry itself have a special role to play in rural areas. Around 4 Millions of people are employed in forestry and its downstream industries. Most of them live in rural areas. Secure income enhances the quality of life in rural areas. Besides this aspect sustainable forest management includes a range of traditions that ingrain people to their country.
CEPF is a member of DG Agri's “Advisory Committee on Rural Development” and is therefore able to represent family forest owners in the CAP and the rural development policies. Further CEPF is member of European rural development networks, such as ENRD (European Network for Rural development) and runs a working group on "Rural Development” which is in charge to develop CEPF position papers on this issue.
Directive Rural development (pdf)
CEPF on the CAP reform - general paper (2010 - pdf)
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CEPF formed a partnership with PEFC International Stakeholder Forum 
Guidance for sustainable mobilization of wood in Europe