Boris Ljubanović, Josip Plišo

THE IMPACT OF LAND CONSOLIDATION ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

The impact of land consolidation on agriculture and rural development. Analyze land consolidation's impact on agriculture and rural development in Croatia. Discover how EU policies and EAFRD funds drive improved land usability and rural area revitalization.

Abstract

In the paper, the authors analyse the significant impacts of implementing the land consolidation procedure, that is, the analysis of the impact of land consolidation on land that is largely used for agricultural purposes, and how the land consolidation process contributes to the rural development of a specific municipality or village. The said analysis is carried out on the basis of national, but also European legal regulations, considering that land consolidation as a legal institute is closely connected with the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy, which encourages increased land usability. In the context of European Union law, the Habitats Directive and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive will certainly be of importance, as well as the Regulation on the bodies within the system of management and control over the use of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The impact of land consolidation on rural development is of great importance, and EU funds, especially the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), play an important role in its development, by directly or indirectly influencing the implementation of the land consolidation procedure. The relevance of the topic is reflected in the fact that, from 1991 until today, not a single land consolidation procedure has been carried out in the territory of the Republic of Croatia. The implementation of land consolidation would significantly improve the economic usability of agricultural land and would encourage the renewal and development of rural areas whose existence and growth are based on agriculture as the primary activity of the rural population.

Review

The paper, "THE IMPACT OF LAND CONSOLIDATION ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT," addresses a highly pertinent and critical issue, particularly within the context of European agricultural policy and rural development initiatives. The abstract clearly outlines an ambitious scope, aiming to analyze the significant impacts of land consolidation procedures on both agricultural land use and the broader rural development of specific localities. The explicit mention of the topic's relevance to the Republic of Croatia, where no such procedure has been carried out since 1991, immediately highlights the practical and policy-driven importance of this research, positing land consolidation as a key driver for improving economic usability of agricultural land and revitalizing rural areas. A significant strength of the proposed work lies in its interdisciplinary approach, integrating legal frameworks (national and EU, including the Common Agricultural Policy, Habitats Directive, Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development regulations) with agricultural economics and rural development objectives. This comprehensive perspective promises a robust analysis of how land consolidation, as a legal instrument, intertwines with broader socio-economic goals. The emphasis on EU funds, particularly EAFRD, and their role in facilitating or influencing land consolidation procedures, underscores the practical implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to leverage financial instruments for rural upliftment. By addressing a gap in Croatia's implementation, the paper has the potential to offer valuable insights and recommendations applicable not only to Croatia but also to other regions facing challenges in optimizing agricultural land use and fostering sustainable rural growth. While the abstract effectively establishes the "what" and "why" of the research, it would benefit from further clarification regarding the "how." Specifically, the methodological approach for analyzing these impacts, beyond a review of legal regulations, is not immediately apparent. Will the paper employ case studies, quantitative analysis, a comparative legal analysis, or a theoretical framework to assess the "impacts" and "contributions" mentioned? A clearer articulation of the analytical framework would strengthen the abstract. Additionally, while the Croatian context provides strong relevance, the abstract could briefly touch upon how the findings might be generalized or presented to offer broader insights for a European audience, perhaps by drawing parallels or contrasts with countries that have successfully implemented land consolidation initiatives. Clarifying these aspects would enhance the abstract's ability to preview the paper's substantive contribution and its potential scholarly impact.

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