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Writer's pictureJoana Grácio

Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) comes into force on June 1st 2023

Updated: Feb 17, 2022

Assumed as one of the major goals of the Portuguese presidency of the council of the European union, it was after 3 years of negotiation that finally, at the end of last June, the agreement for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was closed.



On June 1st, 2018, the European Commission presented several legislative proposals for CAP 2021-2027, but only at the end of 2020 were defined the final positions. In the middle of this process there were several modifications, from changes in the commission itself, new elections in the European Parliament, to the goals themselves, such as the integration of the ambitions of the European Ecological Pact (Green Deal).


Although the goals constantly expressed in the Green Deal have been removed, the approved CAP reflects full alignment with the current "green policies" and great support for the promotion of sustainability, carbon neutrality, and environmental goals. The fact that the CAP integrates the EU environmental and climate legislation is noteworthy and its plans will contribute to achieve the set Green Deal goals. Regarding cross-compliance (minimum environmental requirements for beneficiaries to receive support) these will be more demanding. The adoption of eco-schemes will become mandatory (agro-ecology, organic farming, integrated protection, etc.), which will allow to reward farmers for adopting climate and environmentally friendly practices.


It is also notable that, for the first time, CAP emphasizes the social dimension. A completely new feature is that elements of European social and labor legislation must be respected in order to receive CAP funds.


It is important to remember that there is now a transitional regulation in force and after the European Parliament gives its approval, CAP will come into action on January 1st, 2023.


Learn more here.

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