Fischer Boel unveils document that gives insight into mountain farming

NEW insights into mountain farming in the European Union are outlined by the European Commission in a document launched by Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel at a conference in Austria.

She said in terms of farming and food, some great products are made in mountain areas. Some of these have built strong brands. Lots of mountain cheeses fall into this category.

High altitude, however, makes farming more difficult. So do steep slopes, in various ways. Remoteness is another key issue in many cases. And many mountain areas are potentially more vulnerable than others to problems caused by climate change.