CAP stands for the Common Agriculture Policy. In short, CAP ensures the production of high quality safe food for consumers and protects rural landscapes and the environment. It is also responsible for supporting the rural economy and protects many farm family incomes.
Goals of CAP:
To ensure a fair standard of living for farmers
To stabilise markets
To ensure reasonable prices for consumers
To ensure availability of supplies
To protect the environment
To increase agricultural productivity through the promotion of technical progress
The CAP Consists of a Two Pillar Structure
Income Support
Infrastructure, Environment and Development Support
Facts About CAP:
€12.2 billion is generated into the economy from agri-food
Employs 173,000 people in the agri-food sector (Equals 1 in 8 jobs & 7.9% of employment in Ireland)
Preservation of the famous beautiful Irish countryside is supported through CAP and attracts some of the brightest and best to agri-careers
71.6% of rural Ireland is used for agricultural purposes
Delivers positive outcomes for landscape, climate change, bio-diversity and water quality
Delivers high standards of food safety along with animal health & welfare
87% of people think the food standards on food production are higher in the EU than the rest of the world
Ensures the EU is a world leader in sustainable intensification
