EU farming. Meeting society’s needs and expectations

The agricultural and rural development policy of the European Union (EU) – the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) – has always been about ensuring that Europe has sufficient food at reasonable and stable prices. The goal of food security is as important as ever – especially at a time when climate change increasingly affects the whole world. But European society’s expectations are developing. More and more, the public requires that rural areas provide not only high-quality and healthy food, but also beautiful scenery and a place for leisure and tourism. These public benefits can all be provided, but only if we give appropriate support to farmers and rural areas.