The purpose of this discussion paper was to:
a. At a general level stimulate and inform debate on the principles that should underlie our approach to defining objectives for the wider countryside within the Natural Areas framework and on the kind of agricultural policy best adapted to deliver such objectives.
b. At a more specific level provide guidance on the definition of issues and objectives in Natural Area core profiles of relevance to agricultural policy and practice in a way that enables these issues and objectives to be articulated with policy delivery mechanisms.