Linking Research Evidence to Policy Impact and Learning: Increasing the effectiveness of rural development programmes towards Green Deal goals

Abstract

The RECIPE project aims to address key challenges of rural development in Italy, particularly in aligning policies with the objectives of the European Union’s Green Deal. With a focus on three Italian regions – Lombardy, Lazio, and Sicily – RECIPE seeks to provide evidence-based insights to enhance the effectiveness of rural development programs (PSRs). These programs are crucial for achieving the environmental, social, and economic goals outlined in the “farm to fork” strategy. Despite Italy’s significant financial allocation for PSRs, there are critical implementation issues that need to be addressed. RECIPE will analyze the entire policy development process, from implementation to impact, considering factors such as spill-over effects, barriers, incentives, and governance challenges. The project aims to create a “community of good practices” involving researchers and policymakers to effectively address the complexity of PSR design. Through empirical evidence and stakeholder engagement, RECIPE will recommend customized agro-environmental measures and provide guidelines to support regional authorities in implementing effective PSRs, ensuring a continuous impact on policy actions.