ABSTRACT
A reversal of long-established, popular policies does not come easily; and the difficulties are increased when so many interests benefit from the subsidised regime. Above all is the overwhelming impact of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The acronym (CAP) is oddly inappropriate since the one thing that is proving extremely difficult to do is to ‘cap’ it. Reform is a long and difficult process. Current proposals are a continuation of earlier attempts to move support for commodity production towards direct payments to farmers, particularly for environmental benefits. The issues are complex both in economic terms (reform of the CAP could have a major impact on agricultural land values) and politically (the problems — and the political muscle — of farmers vary across the EU). UK policies are severely constrained and the scale and speed of change are highly uncertain.
