Understanding the CAP 18 Feb 13 The process leading to approval
of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European
Union’s system of agricultural subsidies and programs, is now in
its final stage and its future shape should concern us all. The
CAP is the instrument that will decide the future of our food.
For 50 years the CAP has soaked up almost half the EU budget.
Reforming it is an opportunity for a paradigm shift towards an
agriculture that is less geared to production and more towards
local areas, natural resources, farmers and citizens. So far
preference has been given to agricultural practices that harm
soil fertility, the environment, landscapes and biodiversity,
with poor countries outside Europe also suffering from unjust
treatment. The CAP is currently being reformed in a process
involving European institutions and organizations in the
agricultural sector, but it affects all of us. The results of
the reform will have significant effects for our food,
environment and health. Let us look in mo