Does the proposed CAP reform allow for a paradigm shift towards a greener policy?

Abstract

Aim of study: The paper explores whether the legislative proposal for the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2021 and the novelty of comprehensive strategic planning at Member State (MS) level can bring about a greener, more multifunctional policy paradigm. While existing research has explored long-term policy change over the entire decision-making process, this study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of conducting policy analysis at the inception of the legislative procedure.Area of study: The study applies to the European Union.Material and methods: The research employs a qualitative method of policy analysis, using a combination of three theoretical frameworks – social learning, path dependency and intergovernmentalism. Extensive document analysis and in-depth interviews were applied to evaluate the proposed reform and gauge the responses of key interest groups.Main results: The proposal holds potential for a substantial overall greening of the policy but will be strongly dependent on implementation at the MS level; the institutional framework provides space for increased environmental ambition, but does not guarantee it, as the proposed safeguards are too weak.Research highlights: More accountability is required during the formulation and implementation of Strategic Plans. Due to strong elements of path dependency and intergovernmentalism, an overall paradigm shift at EU level is unlikely. Strengthening the role of MSs is weakening the commonality of the policy that guarantees at least minimal environmental standards.

The Role of the Start-Up Aid for Young Farmers in the Adoption of Innovative Agricultural Activities: The Case of Aloe Vera

“…Young farmers have been described as having a more entrepreneurial approach to agriculture [13][14][15] and more willingness to diversify and to engage in agri-environmental schemes and eco-friendly agricultural practices [16][17][18]. For the above reasons, young farmers are considered as more capable of accommodating the post-productivist multifunctional agricultural systems that the CAP supports [19] in order to meet the environmental and climate objectives set at EU level [20].…”

The contribution of research to agricultural policy in Europe

“…This paper has a more modest objective. It is neither intended as a systematic review of recent European agricultural policy research nor does it enter the debate whether recent reforms of the CAP can be attributed to paradigmatic changes or not (Rac, Erjavec, and Erjavec 2020). It presents a narrative describing recent trends in agricultural policy research and the factors that have driven these changes.…”

Handbook on European Union Climate Change Policy and Politics

“…In approving these Plans the Commission must assess whether they adequately address the legislative obligations the sector must achieve. But the governance framework for the new CAP is weak and many key players reject the implied paradigm shift that CAP funds should be used for the environment and climate rather than to support farmer incomes (Rac et al, 2020). Even national governments that have made a commitment to reducing agricultural emissions as part of a national strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or before are slow to embrace the notion that this will require changes in production levels and production mix.…”