Protocol on the implementation of the 1991 Alpine Convention in the field of mountain farming — Mountain Farming Protocol
Date: 1994-12-20
Institutions: Austria, European Community, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland
Subjects: Alpine Region, cross-border cooperation, environmental protection, hill farming, international convention, protocol to an agreement

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TRANSLATION

PROTOCOL

on the implementation of the 1991 Alpine Convention in the field of mountain farming

Mountain Farming Protocol

Preamble

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY,

THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA,

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC,

THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC,

THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN,

THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO,

THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA,

THE SWISS CONFEDERATION,

and

THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY,

IN ACCORDANCE WITH their task, arising from the Convention on the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) of 7
November 1991, of pursuing a comprehensive policy for the protection and the sustainable development of the Alpine
region,

IN COMPLIANCE WITH their obligations under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Alpine Convention,

AWARE that it is incumbent upon them, in the general interest, to preserve and promote the management of traditional
countryside and farming which suits local conditions and is environmentally compatible, taking into account the more
difficult economic conditions,

RECOGNISING that, by virtue of its wealth of natural resources, water resources, agricultural potential, historical and
cultural heritage, value for quality of life and for economic and leisure activities in Europe and the transport routes
crossing it, the Alpine region will continue to be of vital importance, particularly for the local population but also for the
population of other regions,

CONVINCED that the local population must be able to determine its own social, cultural and economic development plan
and take part in its implementation in the existing institutional framework,

CONVINCED that it is necessary to balance the economic interests and the environmental requirements, taking account of
the specific features of each region and of the central role of farming,

CONSIDERING the importance which farming has always had in the Alpine region and the indispensable contribution
which this branch of the economy makes, and will continue to make, particularly in mountain regions, as an essential
resource for maintaining an adequate population density, food supply for the population, production of typical high-
quality produce, conservation and maintenance of the countryside, particularly for tourism, and, finally, protection of the
soil against erosion, avalanches and floods,

RECOGNISING that farming methods and intensity exert a decisive influence on nature and landscapes and that
extensively farmed countryside must fulfil an essential function as a habitat for Alpine flora and fauna,

RECOGNISING the fact that the geomorphology and climate of mountain regions create more difficult living and
production conditions for farming activity,

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CONVINCED that certain problems can only be resolved in a cross-border framework and require joint measures on the
part of the Alpine States and, in particular, that economic and social adjustment and accompanying measures should be
put in place, at national and European level, so that the future of farmers and their farms in mountain regions is not
called into question by the application of exclusively economic parameters,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Objectives

This Protocol

lays down international measures

1.
to
preserve and promote mountain farming which suits local
conditions and is environmentally compatible; it aims at recog-
nising and securing the continuity of its essential contribution
to maintaining the population and safeguarding sustainable
economic activities, particularly by means of producing typical
high-quality produce, safeguarding the natural environment,
preventing natural risks and conserving the beauty and recrea-
tional value of nature and the countryside and of cultural life in
the Alpine region.

means of social and structural policy measures accompanied
by a series of agricultural and environment policy measures.

Article 4

Role of farmers

The Contracting Parties agree that,
in mountain regions in
particular farming has, over the centuries, shaped the country-
side, giving it its historical character and cultural value. The
essential role played by farmers in conservation of nature and
the countryside,
their
multiple functions, must therefore be recognised and farmers
must be associated in the decisions and measures taken for
mountain regions.

today and tomorrow, by virtue of

In implementing this Protocol,

the Contracting Parties
2.
shall seek to optimise all the functions of mountain farming.

Article 5

Participation of regional and local authorities

Article 2

Taking account of the objectives in other policies

The Contracting Parties undertake to take account of
objectives of this Protocol in their other policies as well.

the

Article 3

Fundamental obligations in the general economic context

The Contracting Parties agree on the need to adapt agricultural
policy at all levels, in accordance with general economic policy,
to the requirements for balanced, sustainable development in
order to make it possible, within the framework of the given
financial policy conditions:

(a)

to encourage, particularly in mountain regions, environ-
mentally compatible farming and its
in the
general interest, as provided for in Article 7 of this Protocol;

functions

the best

1.
Each Contracting Party shall define, within its institutional
level of coordination and cooperation
framework,
between the institutions and regional and local authorities
directly concerned so as to encourage solidarity of responsi-
in particular to exploit and develop synergies when
bility,
implementing
applying mountain
measures under them.

farming

policies

and

The regional and local authorities directly concerned shall
2.
be parties to the various stages of preparing and implementing
these policies and measures, within their competence and within
the existing institutional framework.

Article 6

International cooperation

The Contracting Parties agree:

(b) to take significant action against abandonment of mountain
regions and to ensure adequate living conditions there, by

(a)

to proceed with joint evaluations of the development of
agricultural policy and to guarantee reciprocal consultation
before adopting any major decision on agricultural policy,
for the purposes of implementation of this Protocol;

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(b) to secure implementation of the objectives and measures
laid down by this Protocol, by means of transfrontier co-
operation between all the competent authorities, particularly
regional administrations and local authorities;

Special measures shall be taken for the conservation of
4.
traditional farm buildings and rural architecture and for further
use of traditional building materials and methods.

(c)

initiatives, by means of

to encourage exchanges of knowledge and experience and
international cooperation
joint
between research and training institutes, agricultural and
environmental organisations and the media.

CHAPTER II

SPECIFIC MEASURES

Article 7

Encouragement of mountain farming

The Contracting Parties shall seek to differentiate agri-
in accordance with the
levels,
to encourage mountain
local natural handicaps.
to farms ensuring a

1.
cultural policy measures at all
different
farming,
Support shall be given,
minimum of agricultural activity in extreme locations.

and
the
in particular,

local
taking account of

conditions,

2.
The contribution which mountain farming makes to the
conservation and maintenance of nature and the countryside
and to the prevention of natural risks, in the general interest,
shall give rise to appropriate compensation, in the framework of
contractual agreements linked to identified projects and services
going beyond the general obligations.

Article 8

Land use and countryside

1.
The Contracting Parties undertake, respecting nature and
the countryside, to take account of the particular conditions in
mountain areas in the context of planning, zoning, reorganising
and improving land use.

Article 9

Nature-friendly farming methods — Typical produce

The Contracting Parties undertake to adopt all necessary
measures with a view to applying common criteria
to
promote employment and wider use,
in mountain areas, of
nature-friendly extensive farming methods characteristic of the
area and to protect and promote typical farm produce, with
distinctive, unique, nature-friendly production methods limited
to the locality.

Article 10

Livestock farming suited to local conditions and genetic
diversity

1.
The Contracting Parties agree that livestock farming suited
to local conditions and to the available land is an essential
component of mountain farming, both as a source of revenue
and as a decisive part of the identity of the countryside and
culture. Consequently,
including traditional
livestock farming,
domestic animal husbandry, must be maintained, with its char-
acteristic variety of species and typical produce; such husbandry
must be suited to local conditions and to the available land and
compatible with the environment.

2.
To this end, the necessary farming, pasture and forestry
facilities shall be maintained, keeping a balance between pasture
and livestock which suits local conditions,
in the context of
suitable, extensive grassland farming.

3. Measures shall also be adopted to maintain the genetic
diversity of livestock and crops, particularly in the field of agri-
cultural research and advisory services.

Article 11

Promotion and marketing

2.
In order to accomplish its multiple tasks, first, mountain
farming must have the land necessary for farming which suits
local conditions and is environmentally compatible.

The Contracting Parties shall seek to create conditions
1.
conducive to the marketing of mountain farm produce, with
a view to increasing sales on the spot and making such produce
more competitive on national and international markets.

In this context,

3.
restoration and use of
countryside (woodland, wooded boundaries, hedges,
wet, dry or low-yield pasture and Alpine pastures).

it is necessary to ensure conservation,
the
the traditional components of
thickets,

Promotion shall take the form, inter alia, of guarantees of
2.
origin and of quality, allowing protection of producers and
consumers alike.

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Article 12

Limitation of production

In case of limitation of agricultural production, the Contracting
Parties shall seek to take account of the specific requirements, in
mountain areas, for farming which suits local conditions and is
environmentally compatible.

Article 13

Complementary nature of farming and forestry

The Contracting Parties agree that the complementary nature
and partial
farming and forestry in
mountain areas necessitate an integrated approach. Conse-
quently, they shall encourage:

interdependence of

(a)

forestry compatible with nature both as an additional source
of revenue for farms and as a sideline activity for farm
workers;

(b) consideration of the protective, productive and recreational
as well as the environmental and biogenetic functions of
forests,
the
specific local conditions and in harmony with the country-
side;

in relation to farmland,

taking account of

(c) regulation of grassland farming and of the game population,
to avoid any intolerable damage to forests and crops.

Article 14

Additional sources of income

importance of

family farms in
Recognising the traditional
mountain farming,
family farms as an
in order to support
economic activity, whether principal, secondary or sideline,
the Contracting Parties shall encourage the creation and devel-
opment of additional sources of income in mountain areas,
particularly on the initiative and in favour of the local popu-
lation itself, notably in sectors linked to agriculture, such as
forestry, tourism and crafts, in harmony with conservation of
nature and the countryside.

Article 15

Improvement of living and working conditions

The Contracting Parties shall encourage reinforcement and
improvement of the quality of the services indispensable in
order to overcome the unfavourable conditions faced by farm
to link
and forestry workers in mountain areas in order
improvement of
to
economic and social development in other fields and in other
parts of the Alpine region. To this end, the decision-making

living and working conditions

their

criteria must not be purely economic. This shall apply prin-
cipally to links, to construction and restructuring of housing
and farm buildings, and to purchase and maintenance of
technical installations and equipment.

Article 16

Further measures

The Contracting Parties may take further measures on mountain
farming than the measures provided for in this Protocol.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH, TRAINING AND INFORMATION

Article 17

Research and observation

The Contracting Parties shall encourage and harmonise, in
1.
close cooperation, research and systematic observation which
are conducive to achieving the objectives of this Protocol.

2.
In particular, they shall encourage agricultural research
specially targeted on mountain farming which shall be
conducted in a manner corresponding as closely as possible
to the specific local conditions and shall be taken into
account
in the process of setting and checking agricultural
policy objectives and measures, applying the results obtained
to training and technical assistance activities for agriculture.

The Contracting Parties shall ensure that

3.
the national
results of the research and systematic observation are integrated
in a joint permanent observation and information system and
that they are made accessible to the public under the existing
institutional framework.

As

regards

the different mountain areas and taking
4.
account of
the objectives and measures laid down by this
Protocol, the Contracting Parties shall, in particular, establish a
comparison of the economic and social situation of mountain
farming.

The comparison shall be updated periodically and shall
5.
contain indications of
the issues and the locations posing
particular problems, of the effectiveness of the measures put
in place and of the measures to be adopted. Priority shall be
given to data on demographic, social and economic devel-
opment, in conjunction with the different geographical, envir-
onmental and infrastructure indicators for the areas and defi-
nition of criteria corresponding to sustainable, balanced devel-
opment, as provided for in the Alpine Convention and in this
Protocol.

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In addition,

6.
considered priorities.

the subjects listed in the Annex shall be

Article 18

Training and information

1.
The Contracting Parties shall encourage basic and further
training and the provision of information to the public about
the objectives, measures and implementation of this Protocol.

The Standing Committee shall draw up a report on the
the Contracting Parties with the obligations
the Alpine
for the attention of

3.
compliance of
arising from the Protocol,
Conference.

4.
The Alpine Conference shall take note of this report. If it
finds that obligations have not been met, it may adopt recom-
mendations.

Article 21

2.

The Contracting Parties shall encourage, in particular:

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the provisions

(a)

further development of basic and further training, technical
assistance concerning farming, assistance with business and
commercial management, without losing sight of protection
of nature and the environment.
the training
offered shall be structured to favour orientation towards
and preparation for other alternative or complementary
activities in sectors linked to farming;

In general,

and

(b) ample and objective information not
directly

restricted to the
persons
but
reaching, via the media in particular, the broadest public
inside and outside the Alpine region to raise awareness of
and interest in the functions of mountain farming.

administrations

concerned

In addition,

3.
considered priorities.

the subjects listed in the Annex shall be

CHAPTER IV

IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Article 19

Implementation

The Contracting Parties undertake to ensure the implementation
of this Protocol by taking any appropriate measures within the
existing institutional framework.

Article 20

Monitoring of compliance with obligations

shall

The Contracting Parties

1.
to the
Standing Committee on measures taken under this Protocol.
The reports shall also cover the effectiveness of the measures
taken. The Alpine Conference shall determine the intervals at
which the reports must be submitted.

regularly report

The Contracting Parties

1.
regularly examine and
evaluate the effectiveness of the provisions of this Protocol.
They shall consider the adoption of appropriate amendments
to this Protocol where necessary in order to achieve objectives.

shall

The regional and local authorities shall be associated with
2.
framework.
this evaluation within the existing institutional
Non-governmental organisations active in this field may be
consulted.

CHAPTER V

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 22

Links between the Alpine Convention and the Protocol

This Protocol

1.
to the Alpine
Convention within the meaning of Article 2 thereof and any
other relevant articles of the Convention.

constitutes a Protocol

Only Contracting Parties to the Alpine Convention may
2.
the
become a party to this Protocol. Any denunciation of
Alpine Convention also implies denunciation of this Protocol.

3. Where the Alpine Conference discusses matters relating to
this Protocol, only the Contracting Parties to this Protocol may
take part in the vote.

Article 23

Signature and ratification

1.
This Protocol shall be open for signature by the signatory
States of the Alpine Convention and the European Community
on 20 December 1994 and in the Republic of Austria, as the
depositary, from 15 January 1995.

2.
The Standing Committee shall examine these reports in
order to ensure that the Contracting Parties have fulfilled their
obligations under this Protocol. It may also ask for additional
information from the Contracting Parties concerned or have
recourse to other information sources.

2.
This Protocol shall enter into force for the Contracting
Parties which have expressed their agreement to be bound by
the said Protocol three months after the date on which three
States have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance
or approval.

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For Parties which express their agreement to be bound by
3.
the Protocol at a later date, the Protocol shall enter into force
three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of
ratification, acceptance or approval. After the entry into force
of an amendment to the Protocol, any new Contracting Party to
the said Protocol shall become a Contracting Party to the
Protocol, as amended.

Article 24

Notifications

referred to in the preamble

in respect of this Protocol, notify each
European

and the

The depositary shall,
State
Community of:

(c) any date of entry into force;

(d) any declaration made by a Contracting Party or signatory;

(e) any denunciation notified by a Contracting Party, including

the date on which it becomes effective.

In witness whereof,
thereto, have signed this Protocol.

the undersigned, being duly authorised

(a) any signature;

(b) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance or

approval;

Done at Chambéry on 20 December 1994 in the French,
Italian and Slovene languages, the four texts being
German,
text being deposited in the
equally authentic,
Austrian State archives. The depositary shall send a certified
copy to each of the signatory States.

the original

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RESEARCH AND TRAINING PRIORITIES PURSUANT TO ARTICLES 17 AND 18

Research

Definition and classification of mountain areas on the basis of their altitude and of the climate, geomorphologic,
economic and infrastructure conditions at different locations.

Verification of the effects of the measures adopted on mountain farming at different political decision-making levels
(EU/CAP, States, regions, local authorities) and of the ecological functions (social and environmental compatibility).

Evaluation of the economic, ecological, social and cultural functions of farming and forestry and of their development
prospects, in the context of the specific local conditions in different mountain areas.

Methods of production and manufacture, criteria for improvement and quality in farm produce in mountain areas.

Genetic research and technical assistance for differentiated conservation of the diversity of the species of livestock reared
and crops grown which suits local conditions and is environmentally compatible.

Training

Technical, scientific and socio-economic assistance and training for farms and for food companies processing their
produce.

Technical and economic business management aiming, in particular, at diversification of the supply of products and
alternative production and income inside and outside farming.

Technical and financial conditions and effects of application of natural farming and production methods compatible with
the environment.

Media, presentation and dissemination of information in line with the direction of public opinion, policy and the
economy, inside and outside the Alpine region.

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DECLARATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

DECLARATION BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY REGARDING ARTICLES 8 AND 9 OF THE PROTOCOL
ON MOUNTAIN FARMING

The European Community recognises the principle of coexistence as the ability of farmers to choose
between conventional, organic and genetically modified crop production,
in compliance with the legal
obligations for GMO labelling and/or purity standards. The relevant articles of the Protocol on Mountain
Farming should be interpreted in this light.

DECLARATION BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY REGARDING ARTICLES 7, 9 TO 11, 13, 14 AND 16 OF
THE PROTOCOL ON MOUNTAIN FARMING

The European Community considers that public support measures in favour of certain enterprises must be
in conformity with its rules on competition as established on the basis of Articles 36 and 87 to 89 EC, and
not distort or threaten to distort competition and affect trade between contracting parties.