The Common Agricultural Policy: An Adequate Means of Supporting Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services within the European Union?

Abstract

This research presents a critical analysis of the 2013 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms and their ability to support the European Union in reaching its target of halting biodiversity loss by 2020 and to preserve and restore ecosystem services. In light of the link between agriculture and its negative effects on the environment, the role of the CAP will be examined. In particular, this paper will focus on the tension between the ambition set out in the Policy to provide sufficient economic support to farmers and the EU-wide focus to prevent further environmental damage caused by agriculture, and whether, in fact, the reformed CAP can practically address such issues.