The Future of Food and Farming – for a flexible, fair and sustainable Common Agricultural Policy

Commissioner Phil Hogan

As announced, the European Commission adopted on 29 November a non-legislative communication under the title "The Future of Food and Farming – for a flexible, fair and sustainable Common Agricultural Policy".
Simpler rules and a more flexible approach are the cornerstone ideas of the Communication, which outlines the ways for the CAP to deliver real results in support of farmers and lead the sustainable development of EU agriculture. The flagship initiative is a greater responsibility of the Member States to choose how and where to invest their CAP funding in order to meet common goals on environment, climate change and sustainability. Each MS will have to develop its own strategic plan that is approved by the European Commission. Rather than on compliance, the emphasis will be placed on monitoring progress and ensuring that funding is focused on concrete results. The current two pillar structure will be maintained and support for farmers will continue through the system of direct payments. The relevant legislative proposals will be tabled by the Commission before the summer of 2018, following the proposal for the new Multi-annual Financial Framework.
You can access the full text of the Communication, the press conference held by Commissioner Hogan and a fact sheet.