The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a central pillar of the European Union and forms the backbone of agriculture and its promotion in the EU Member States. Since its inception, the aim of the CAP has been to promote agricultural production, support rural communities and ensure food safety in Europe. Read all the news about the CAP and European agriculture from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. What is the CAP: European agriculture The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) consists of two main pillars to improve agriculture: direct payments to farmers and rural development. Direct payments are an instrument for supporting agricultural income and stabilizing agricultural markets. They are intended to ensure that farmers are adequately remunerated for their work and that agricultural production is maintained. They also contribute to the achievement of environmental and climate goals by promoting environmentally friendly farming methods. Rural development aims to strengthen the competitiveness of agriculture, protect the environment and improve the quality of life in rural areas. This includes measures such as promoting innovation, supporting small farms and improving infrastructure. Advantages of the CAP for European agriculture The advantages of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for European agriculture include the following: Disadvantages of the CAP for European agriculture However, the CAP is also criticized for focusing too much on supporting large farms in agriculture and disadvantaging smaller farms. In recent years, efforts have been made to reform the CAP in order to achieve fairer and more sustainable results. New approaches focus more on environmental and climate protection measures and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. These are some of the main points of criticism leveled against the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. The future of the CAP faces major challenges, including climate change, the digitalization of agriculture and food security. The EU and its Member States are committed to further developing the CAP to meet these challenges while preserving agricultural diversity and traditions. Overall, the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) remains a central element of EU policy, guiding and shaping agricultural development in Europe. Its role in promoting sustainable and competitive agriculture will continue to be crucial as EU Member States work together to meet the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture. Read all the latest news and analysis on the CAP and the opportunities of modern agriculture from the Table.Briefings editorial team here.
European Commissioner Christophe Hansen: “If you live in uncertainty, you do not invest”
In an interview with Table.Briefings, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, argues in favor of a contractual obligation and a revision to the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive and to Common Organization of Agricultural Markets (CMO) legislation. Farmers need a reliable framework to cope with structural change.
By Frederik Bombosch