Common Agricultural Policy

When heavy rains or strong winds hit uncovered soil, soil material can be transported downslope or through the open landscape. Soil erodes and will be deposited elsewhere. The result is the degradation of fertile soil, which we need as a basis for life. Erosion limits the functions of soils, pollutes water bodies and damages infrastructures.

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the EU’s farthest-reaching management and financing instrument for environmental protection in the agricultural sector. However, in order for the CAP to achieve success, biodiversity, climate and waterbody protection measures will need to be appropriately prioritized and monitored under the CAP and will also need to be funded adequately.

The Agriculture Commission at the German Federal Environment Agency (KLU) assessed the outcome for a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union.