From a Common Agricultural Policy to a Common Food Policy

Last week was the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economy Community, and simultaneously, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP is, to this day, one of the most important common policies of the European Community, both for the number of people it involves (22 million farmers), and for its economic impact, which accounts for 35% of the European Union’s GDP.

It was a historic moment: Europe was changing, and needed a common strategy to confront the difficulties of rural populations, mostly still very poor, and to incentivize innovation in the agricultural sector, which needed to become more efficient. At the same time, this policy ensured greater stability for the markets and guaranteed foodstuffs at accessible prices to European citizens.

And yet, today there is the feeling that it is necessary to widen our perspective, and take an evermore innovative path towards desirable goals of sustainability. The time is ripe to move forward, from a Common Agricultural Policy to a Common Food Policy.

Read more here.

Source: Politico