EU’s CAP objectives are far from guaranteed

Significance

The overarching objectives of the reforms are to align agricultural subsidies with the Commission's broader agenda to tackle climate change. The new reforms also prioritise protecting small farms and equalising the distribution of payments across the bloc. The agreement has come under criticism from both farmers and environmentalists.

Impacts

• The proposed spending is unlikely to be enough given the technology and funds required to transition to green farming practises.
• There is no new requirement to reduce livestock numbers, but governments can pay farmers to do this under existing and new schemes.
• The diversification of farming activities could attract more young people to stay in, or move to, rural areas.