Building a CAP Fit for the Future: Empowering Europe’s Farmers through Innovation
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been a cornerstone of European food security and rural prosperity for more than 60 years. Yet today, Europe faces new and unprecedented challenges — from climate change and biodiversity loss to global market competition and technological disruption — that the current CAP is not equipped to address.
EPIC, in collaboration with the European Liberal Forum (ELF), has contributed to the publication “A Common Agricultural Policy Fit for the Future”, offering a roadmap to transform the CAP into a policy that empowers farmers, drives innovation, and delivers sustainable growth for Europe’s agricultural sector.
🚨 Why Reform Is Urgent
Despite technological breakthroughs in precision farming, agroecology, and digital monitoring, the current CAP continues to reward land ownership over measurable performance. This outdated model misses a huge opportunity: farmers ready to adopt smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable practices lack the incentives to do so.
Europe cannot afford to fall behind. A modern CAP must enable farmers to innovate, compete globally, and contribute to Europe’s climate and food security goals.
✅ EPIC’s Key Proposals for a Future-Ready CAP
🔹 Shift to Performance-Based Subsidies
Move from area-based payments to rewards for measurable outcomes: higher productivity, better soil health, lower emissions, and improved animal welfare.
🔹 Create a Single Innovation & Efficiency Fund
Combine CAP’s existing pillars into a flexible, unified fund supporting sustainable technologies and simplifying application processes.
🔹 Prioritize Technology and Digital Tools
Incentivize adoption of AI, drones, blockchain supply chains, satellite monitoring, and research into alternative proteins — boosting efficiency and sustainability.
🔹 Empower the Next Generation
Promote dedicated support for young farmers, women, and smallholders, encouraging generational renewal and vibrant rural communities.
🔹 Apply Equal Standards to Imports
Enforce mirror measures so imported agricultural products meet the same environmental and sustainability standards as EU-produced goods — ensuring a level playing field for European farmers.
🌍 What’s at Stake
A CAP focused on performance and innovation will:
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Empower farmers to be more competitive and resilient.
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Align European agriculture with climate and sustainability targets.
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Strengthen food security for consumers.
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Protect ecosystems for future generations.
📢 EPIC’s Call to Action
Europe needs a CAP that rewards results, not just land ownership. By embracing innovation and supporting farmers who adopt sustainable practices, the EU can build a resilient agricultural sector, ensure food security, and lead the world in sustainable farming.
EPIC is committed to advancing these reforms and working with partners across Europe to make the CAP truly fit for the future.
📄 Read the Full Publication
For a detailed analysis of the challenges and proposals shaping the future of Europe’s agricultural policy, explore the full report A Common Agricultural Policy Fit for the Future, developed by EPIC in partnership with the European Liberal Forum (ELF).
