Empowering Food Sovereignty: How ECVC Advocates for Reforms in the EU’s 2027 Common Agricultural Policy

As Europe begins shaping the future of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027, it faces tough challenges. Geopolitical tensions are high, farms are vanishing, and hundreds of farmers are leaving the industry daily. Large-scale, industrial farming models are taking over, leaving small farmers struggling with poverty and food insecurity. Extreme climate events and pollution from farming practices add more complexity to the situation.

In 2023, the European Union (EU) set ten goals for CAP, but sadly, none have been met so far. The original goals from the 1962 Treaty of Rome were clear: ensure fair incomes for farmers, provide reasonable prices for consumers, and stabilize agricultural markets. Today, the average age of farmers in the EU is 57, and the rising demand for emergency food assistance highlights a troubling increase in food insecurity. It’s clear that the EU’s mission remains unfulfilled, and the upcoming reform must address this urgent situation.

In a recent position paper, the European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC) proposed significant changes to ensure food sovereignty. They call for robust market regulations and a budget focused on agroecology, diverting resources from practices that harm the environment.

Here are some key recommendations from ECVC:

A Strong Budget for Agroecology

The CAP should maintain its status as the EU’s largest budget, accounting for 31% of the total (€378.5 billion for 2021–2027). ECVC stresses that this budget must strongly support agroecological initiatives, food sovereignty, and rural development. Effective market regulations are required to maintain stable prices for farmers and fair payment systems across EU nations.

Regulating Agricultural Markets

According to the ECVC, the next CAP must break free from current practices that serve the interests of industries over farmers. They advocate stronger regulation of the Common Market Organization (CMO) to ensure that agricultural prices reflect production costs and support sustainability efforts. This includes managing strategic food stocks and enhancing local farmer participation.

A Real Common Agricultural Policy

Five core areas for reform are highlighted in ECVC’s paper. Key among them is ensuring fair prices, providing access to land, and aligning CAP with public food policies. The CAP should prioritize food production over energy generation and foster local jobs through supportive measures for new and small farmers.

Fair Distribution of CAP Payments

Current CAP payments often favor larger farms. ECVC advocates shifting this focus to support diverse, smaller farms. They argue for payment systems that consider the actual agricultural work done and propose introducing caps on payments to ensure equity. Funds should assist in establishing new farming businesses and support those transitioning to sustainable practices.

These reforms aim to create a more equitable agricultural system. Agricultural specialists emphasize that for the CAP to succeed, it must be rooted in sustainability and fairness, catering to both farmers and consumers alike. As a case in point, a recent study from the European Commission reported that small farms can be up to 18% more effective in preserving biodiversity compared to larger operations.

The future of the CAP should reflect a commitment to these principles, ensuring that Europe’s agricultural landscape is resilient, diverse, and fair for all who rely on it.

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CAP Reform,ECVC