When it speaks about the agriculture and rural development in Europe, CAP is the key word to the topic.
What is CAP? Short for Common Agricultural Policy, launched in 1962, it has been carried through 60 years throughout all EU countries. Cap is a partnership between agriculture and society, and between Europe and its farmers, aiming to support farmers and agricultural workers to improve agricultural productivity. The content of the policy is committed to the following key points. First, to safeguard the workers to make a reasonable living by promoting jobs in farming, agri-food industries and associated sectors. Second, to maintain rural areas and landscapes across the EU. And furthermore, help tackle climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. Above all, to keep the rural economy alive.
In the face of these challenges of depopulation, transport exclusion, and declining services In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for the EU to continue to advance the Long-term Vision for Rural Areas. After the pandemic, the crises not only struck the economy, but have also shown our rural areas a light – how important agriculture and rural space is to our society. They provide food and raw materials, energy, and employment; they are the base of our biodiversity, the source of our water, soils, and forests.
Smart villages and digitalisation – both of which are the sparks of the EU mission. In the majority of CAP Strategic Plans submitted so far, the Smart Village concept helped to strengthen the capacities of local communities and helped to identify new digital, technological, and social innovations, suited to the needs of diverse rural areas. By harnessing digital technologies, agriculture can be more resilient and more sustainable against crises. Digitalisation makes it easier for farmers to improve their performance and productivity, by embracing new innovations and better uses of data. Furthermore, networks help to bring better information, education and health services to rural communities. And most importantly, precision farming techniques can benefit productivity, reduce costs, and protect the environment.
With this support from the Common Agricultural Policy, combined with the cohesion policy and other EU funds, we can expect an advanced agriculture and rurality of Europe.
Photo credits: ©PROVACUNO/Organización Interprofesional Agroalimentaria de la Carne de Vacuno