The Global Dimension of the CAP Debate: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Abstract

Exuberant expectations about what EU agriculture can and should deliver in policy areas beyond its scope often contrast sharply with both farm realities and contradictions in the behaviour of individuals as citizens and consumers. This has polarised the CAP policy debate, and erroneously pushes for a choice between prioritising either climate action or food security. Recent developments, including the war in Ukraine, added to concerns about uncertain and volatile future price prospects. Food price prospects and population growth impacts are pivotal in the debate about food security as higher food costs, prospects for higher energy costs driven by the green transition and increasing income inequalities put households in both developed and the developing world at risk with respect to food affordability. Adding trends of global population growth, especially in Africa, creates a clear challenge of availability in certain products and regions. The EU's underestimated and misunderstood record of producing more with less could help EU agriculture to positively contribute to addressing both food security and climate change. However, further improving its performance requires re‐opening the debate in three priority areas where the EU must come clear on its stance and future contribution – productivity, science and trade.