CAP 2013+

Last but not least on the last day of CAPIGI 2011 the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by 2013 was discussed. Florian Dittrich of DG-AGRI provided an update on the CAP reform and reported on recent developments in the Commission's approach, after their Communication "The CAP towards 2020" on 18 November 2010. He explained that reform was needed due to economic, environmental and territorial challenges with food security as the dominant issue. Having objectives like viable food production, sustainable management of natural resources and climate action and a balanced territorial development, a common EU policy is needed. The speaker presented three policy options, explaining all these options have their supporters. Option 2 saying that one should capture the opportunity to reform ensuring that CAP becomes more sustainable and balanced (between policy objectives, member states and farmers) through more ‘green' targeted measures appeared most popular.

Dittrich sees many challenges for innovation in agriculture. He believes the lack of a harmonised research agenda prevents science and industry to contribute effectively. He thinks that PA can contribute to greening the CAP and to information exchange for control etc.; and that integration of both worlds can and will contribute to a stronger, smarter and more viable agricultural export product. Finishing, he said one should build bridges between cutting-edge research and technology and farmers, businesses, stakeholders, industry and advisors. This is just the bridge CAPIGI aims to achieve!

His presentation that is called 'The CAP towards 2020: Future Demands for Innovation' can be viewed here: