Since its inception in 1962, the Common Agricultural Policy has evolved from being a policy to coordinate agricultural production to a complex set of measures intended to protect livelihoods and the environment. It is about to undergo review, and the UK referendum on EU membership adds urgency to debates on its future.
Does the CAP still fit? is the latest paper from Sustain member the Food Research Collaboration looking at possible impacts for British food and farming of leaving or staying in the EU.
It finds that whichever way the vote goes, the CAP needs to be fundamentally rethought, as a Common Sustainable Food Policy or Common Food Policy. This would integrate farm and fisheries policies with the raft of measures -- on health, the environment and social inequalities -- needed to shift the food system to meet the needs of the 21st century.
Find out more about Sustain's policies for more sustainable food and farming here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
