Make the CAP Healthy

In his closing speech, Commissioner Ciolos stated that Pillar One should contain policy measures with the objective of reconciling ‘the economic, environmental, social and territorial dimension’, while Pillar Two could include measures that could be used to ‘modernise farms, support for innovation, promote diversification in rural areas address market volatility and address challenges linked to climate change.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, (...)

The aim of the Agriculture Rural Convention 2020 (ARC 2020) is to create a strong and influential voice of civil society for a new European Common Agriculture and Rural Policy, and to prepare a strong common message to European decision makers which cannot be ignored.
The Agriculture and Rural Conveniton ARC seeks to bring a completely transparent debate that is more than a collection of ideas or a lowest common denominator. It should become the result of an open debate between all (...)

Following the public debate on the CAP post-2013 the European Commission has organised a conclusive conference on the public debate for the 19 and 20 July 2010.
The aim of the conference is to bring together diverse stakeholders and their contributions presented during the public debate launched by European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Cioloş earlier this year. It provides an opportunity for further discussion on the future of the CAP after 2013.
The conference is an (...)

To complement its work on CAP reform, EPHA developed a briefing on the Food Aid to Most deprived Persons Scheme. Theis briefing gives a backdrop to the issue and explains its importance.
The purpose of this paper is to inform EPHAC and EPHA members and relevant stakeholders on current developments to the Food Aid to Most Deprived Persons Scheme. The MDP has been under pressure politically because it was increasingly difficult to see its relevance to agriculture policy and location within (...)

Joseph Rowntree Foundation Visionary, Geoff Tansey discussed global food security with very receptive European Commission officials at a seminar organized by EPHAC.
Food security is a hot issue and once again at the top of political agendas. Not only in a classical sense, but in terms of national security. Commodity price peaks in 2008 witnessed food riots. Global food security is being debated as one of the main challenges that the future Common Agriculture Policy should address.
The (...)

EPHA - the European Public Health Alliance has responded to the European Commission consultation on the Future of the Common Agriculture Policy, outlining what measures must be taken for a healthier Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) in Europe and outside of its boundaries.
EPHA response to the consultation on CAP
From a public health point of view, EPHA expects a CAP based on equity, the universal right to safe, affordable, nutritious food, as well as good governance and transparency in the (...)

The Common Agriculture Policy’s (CAP) impact on development was discussed at this meeting on the 29 April 2010. The main theme of the meeting was the negative consequences that CAP has had on developing countries.
Although the EU is by far the world’s largest donor of development aid, its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) impedes EU’s efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, particularly the first MDG, declaring to eradicate extreme poverty and (...)

The European Public Health & Agriculture Consortium (EPHAC) together with Freshfel Europe Aprifel and AREFLH called upon the EU Institutions to recognise the importance of increasing access to, and the consumption of, fruit and vegetables. At a briefing lunch at the European Parliament hosted by MEP Esther Herranz Garcia, the organisations jointly advocated for building an ambitious European strategy to reduce inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption.
The latest edition of the (...)

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, has decided to launch an open debate on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the European Union. The objective is to contribute to a first policy paper on the CAP post-2013. The initial deadline has been extended till 11 June 2010 because of many requests to do so, and the large number of contributions being posted on the website every day.
See EPHA response
From 2010 to 2013, the EU will decide on (...)

According to the Eurobarometer survey, published in March 2010, Europeans want a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that produces good quality food and that is healthy and safe. The majority of citizens support the new aims of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to meet current challenges and supports maintaining its current budget.
Europeans want a CAP that guarantees good quality, healthy and safe food (59%) at a reasonable price (49%). Protecting the environment and ensuring a fair (...)