The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU
Factsheets and Rural Development
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union's (EU) policy for agriculture and rural development. It was first established in 1962 and has been reformed several times since then. The CAP's main objectives are to:
- Increase agricultural productivity
- Ensure a fair standard of living for farmers
- Stabilize markets and prices
- Promote rural development
The CAP is financed by the EU budget, and it is implemented by the European Commission and the member states. The CAP is a major part of the EU's budget, accounting for around 38% of total expenditure in 2020.
Country Factsheets
The EU provides country factsheets on the CAP for each EU member state. These factsheets provide information on:
- The size of the agricultural sector
- The main agricultural products
- The CAP payments received
- The rural development programs
Rural Development
The CAP also includes a number of measures for rural development. These measures are designed to help farmers diversify their income, improve their competitiveness, and protect the environment.
The EU provides funding for rural development through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The EAFRD is a pot of money that is distributed to the member states to help them implement their rural development programs.
The EAFRD is used to fund a wide range of projects, including:
- Farm diversification
- Farm modernization
- Environmental protection
- Renewable energy
- Rural tourism
The CAP has a major impact on the agricultural sector in the EU. It provides support to farmers, helps to stabilize markets, and promotes rural development.
Conclusion
The CAP is a complex and ever-evolving policy. However, it is an essential part of the EU's agricultural and rural development strategy. The CAP helps to ensure that farmers have a fair standard of living, that markets are stable, and that the environment is protected.
For more information on the CAP, please visit the websites of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Sources:
- European Commission: CAP overview
- European Parliament: CAP reform: new EU farming policy explained
- European Commission: Rural development 2014-2020
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