The European Union`s (EU) new common agricultural policy (CAP) has been a topic of great debate among its member states for years. However, there seems to be a political agreement on the revised version of the CAP.
The new CAP aims to align EU agricultural policy with the European Green Deal’s objectives of sustainable food production and preservation of natural resources. It recognizes the need to address climate change and mitigate its impact on agricultural practices.
The policy provides a framework for member states to plan, budget, and implement their own agricultural programs to meet the EU’s standards. It also includes measures to support young farmers, encourage biodiversity, and protect animal welfare.
The CAP budget for 2021-2027 is set at €387 billion, representing 33% of the EU`s total budget. The agreement was reached after intense negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union.
The revised version of the CAP faced criticism from several environmental groups and civil society organizations. They argue that it fails to address the systemic issues of industrial agriculture, such as overproduction, overconsumption, and the use of harmful chemicals. They also claim that the proposed measures for sustainable farming practices are not ambitious enough.
The new policy, however, received support from farming associations and some member states, including France, Spain, and Poland. They believe that the revised CAP provides a fair distribution of funding, supports the economic sustainability of farming communities, and aligns with the EU`s climate and environmental goals.
In conclusion, the political agreement on the new common agricultural policy represents a step towards more sustainable and equitable farming practices in the EU. However, it remains to be seen how effective the policy will be in addressing the underlying issues of industrial agriculture and promoting the shift towards more ecological and regenerative farming practices.