The EU's Common Agricultural Policy will undergo substantial changes after 2013. MEPs put forward their priorities for the new CAP.

EP begins negotiations on CAP reform

A warm-up lap before the first round of  talks on the Common Agricultural Policy.

This week the Commission officially  reveals its cards to the EP.

The EU’s second biggest  item of expenditure

the CAP could undergo  substantial reforms after 2013.

To produce, but not just anyhow –  by managing the soil sensibly,

And so, through this text, we will  ensure the promotion of agriculture

that is more respectful of  the balance needed on Earth.

Today the CAP accounts for  more than 50 billion euros.

Does the EU still have the means  to ensure its food security?

with the ever increasing number of people  on the planet? That's the challenge.

Yes, we have got to be more  environmentally conscious of what we do,

Among the proposals is  aid to active farmers.

In other words, direct subsidies should  support all producers and farm workers

Stocks of raw materials  could also make their comeback.

The idea is to curb speculation  by stabilising prices.

A bad idea, according to this  representative of European farmers.

When we talk about  massive intervention stocks,

it may actually also have  a detrimental impact on the market,

pushing the prices down,  below the cost of production.

The MEPs support  a strong CAP after 2013.

A tug-of-war with the Member States  seems to be on the cards