The common agricultural policy (CAP)
What is the CAP?
The common agricultural policy (CAP) is the longest serving EU policy with the aim of:
- providing affordable, safe and high-quality food
- ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers
- preserving natural resources and respecting the environment
10 million farmers in the EU:
They are responsible for 39 % of the EU's land (almost half of Europe).
447 million consumers in the EU:
30 % live in rural areas, providing 40 million jobs in the food chain.
So far CAP receives 31 % of the EU budget, cost to the EU citizen around 30 cents a day.
EU RULES:
The CAP consists of a two pillar structure:
- 1st pillar: direct payments and market measures
- 2nd pillar: rural development
For more information on the common agricultural policy, see: