The nature and developments of the Common Agricultural Policy: lessons for European integration from the UK perspective

Abstract:

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has undergone different reforms often presented as a historical evolutionary process in which old policy instruments are replaced by new measures.

In this paper we explore the current nature and developments of the CAP by interviewing experts closely involved in the reforms either as commentators or lobbyists. The results show a policy historically built by an additive process of layering specific instruments on top of the others.

This multilayered nature implies structural challenges. Interviews reveal a strong dispute between powerful lobby groups and their paradigms for more space within the CAP. Current developments include the effort for incorporating environmental issues within the CAP promoted by environmentalists and the proposal for sustainable intensification promoted by farmers.