Why Europe deserves a better farm policy

The EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) remains an emblem of inefficiency and inequality,
despite substantial past reform. It distorts the EU single market; it fails to increase the efficiency of
European farming; and it principally benefits the biggest farms in the richest EU countries.

Powerful farm lobbies are likely to prevent a radical overhaul of the CAP in the near future.
However, the debate about CAP reform will return with renewed vigour in 2008, when the
Commission reviews it.

When it comes, CAP reform should include moving payments from trade-distorting subsidies
towards supporting national and regional strategies for food policy, rural economic development
and conservation.