Memo: The common agricultural policy (CAP) and agriculture in Europe – Frequently asked questions

The EU's common agricultural policy is designed to support farming that ensures food safety (in a context of climate change) and promote sustainable and balanced development across all Europe's rural areas, including those where production conditions are difficult.

Such farming must thus fulfil multiple functions: meeting citizens' concerns about food (availability, price, variety, quality and safety), safeguarding the environment and allowing farmers to make a living.

At the same time, rural communities and landscapes must be preserved as a valuable part of Europe's heritage.

As of 2014, further to the political agreement of June 2013, the common agricultural policy will take greater account of the diversity of European agriculture.