In 1962, Europeans organised their agriculture jointly. They created the CAP, the Common Agricultural Policy. Its aim was to make Europe self-sufficient in agricultural products. A brief history of the oldest European policy.

Eureka: No more famine in Europe!

for a brief history  of the oldest European policy -

the CAP  or the Common Agricultural Policy.

Let's see a flashback. In 1945 the war in  Europe was over, but the famine wasn't.

For years most European countries  struggled to feed their people.

People queued outside shops  to buy potatoes.

How could the situation  be solved for good?

In 1957 six European countries decided  to organise their agriculture jointly.

It was an important part  of the Treaty of Rome.

Europe decided to support  their farmers' income

and guarantee prices of products  in the market.

The aim was to modernise farming and  to allow Europeans to feed themselves

In 1950, one European farmer  fed some 15 people only.

Today he feeds at least  around 50 people.

In 1962, six European countries  started the CAP -

Europe helped farmers  to become more productive.

It even urged them to sell produce  to neighbouring countries.

The borders disappeared  and a great Common Market was formed.

Inside it agricultural products  circulated freely.

They weren't taxed at borders  and the price was the same everywhere.

Europe also protected its internal market  by taxing products from abroad.

In 1960, Europe was self-sufficient  in only sugar, pork and dairy products.

10 years later, it could cover all its needs

and it even exported elsewhere  in the world. Not a bad result.

The CAP system was so effective  that the Europeans produced too much.

In the 1970s,  produce accumulated in stores

either by distributing  excess products for free

Europe became one of the largest  agricultural exporters in the world.

The CAP was a victim of its own success.

It puts a great strain on the EU budget  and it needs thorough revision.

How can it be adapted? We'll look at that  in the next edition of Eureka. Bye!