Common Agricultural Policy
It is also the EU’s oldest policy.
The CAP consists of the following three elements:
- direct payments to farmers;
- measures to stabilise markets;
- rural development measures.
Aims of the Common Agricultural Policy
The CAP aims to:
- support farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ensuring a stable supply of affordable food;
- safeguard European Union farmers to make a reasonable living;
- help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources;
- maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU;
- keep the rural economy alive by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors.
Financing of the Common Agricultural Polic
As part of the EU budget, the CAP is financed through two funds (or two pillars):
- the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) provides direct support and funds market measures;
- the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) finances rural development.
Payments are managed at national level by each EU Member State. Rural development measures are co-financed by the EU Member States.
In the EU budget for the 2021–2027 period, the CAP accounts for 387 billion euro. In this programming period, 1.8 billion euro is available for the Common Agricultural Policy in Slovenia. Of this amount, 683.5 million euro is allocated to the first pillar, which covers direct payments, and the wine and beekeeping sectors. The second pillar which covers rural development interventions amounts to 1.1 billion euro.
The national Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy for the 2023–2027 period has been implemented in Slovenia since 1 January 2023.