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Why have a CAP?
The case for Agriculture
The CAP is one of the most important policy areas of the E.U. It spends nearly 50% of its budget supporting agriculture.
Why?
Agriculture is a unique industry
- A lot of external pressures e.g. Climate, Topography, World Markets
- Price fluctuations
- Plays a key role in the rural economy
- Big industry - but a lot of small farms
- A lot of allied industries which support it
- Farmers manage the countryside
- Protection of environment & heritage