The next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cycle is being discussed amid geopolitical and global trade tensions, and a shift in focus (by the European Commission) to the competitiveness of the European Union (EU).
The discussions are taking place in parallel with the introduction of certain sustainability measures of the Green Deal. These measures, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), are often presented as contrasting with competitiveness, or as an additional administrative burden. Instead, this policy brief highlights the potential benefits of the sustainability measures for European agriculture. It argues that, if applied astutely, the measures could boost the EU’s competitiveness and food security, whilst easing regulatory burdens, and reinforcing the position of farmers in agri-food chains.
About the Author
Dr Marjoleine Hennis is Senior Associate Fellow at the Clingendael Instititute. She is Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the OECD, working on Responsible Business Conduct, Digitalisation, and Social Affairs. She is also the Chair of the OECD-FAO Advisory Group on Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains.