In order to ensure the continuation of farming, thereby maintaining a minimum population level or conserving the countryside in certain less-favoured areas, the list of which is determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 21, Member States may introduce an aid scheme to encourage farming and to raise incomes in these areas. ... In the areas referred to in paragraph 1, Member States may grant an annual compensatory allowance to assist farming activities, such allowance to be fixed according to the permanent natural handicaps.
