This paper critically assesses the most important European Union's instruments directed towards sustainable development as part of the process of agricultural research and innovation. The most significant European directives and regulations issued within the past ten years are evaluated in terms of efficiency directed towards economical effectiveness and its balance with environmental concerns. Strategic management of agricultural innovation is examined with regard to important resources in the European Union member states as well as elsewhere, especially in areas which are directly affected either by the agricultural practices of the European Union member states or by economic activities of subjects registered thereof. Together with focus on the health of plants and animals, other natural resources are taken into consideration, such as soil, water quality and social factors such as rural development. In addition to the European legislative instruments, other policy papers are taken into account in our assessment of strategic management of agricultural research and innovation through EU law, especially the policy document entitled European Commission: Strategic Approach to EU Agricultural Research Innovation.
