The European Commission has today published its plans to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013. This blueprint aims to strengthen the competitiveness and the sustainability of agriculture and maintain its presence in all regions, in order to guarantee European citizens healthy and quality food production, to preserve the environment and to help develop rural areas.

"The European Commission has proposed a new partnership between European citizens and its farmers to meet the challenges of food security, sustainable use of natural resources and growth. The coming decades will be crucial in laying the foundations for a strong agriculture, able to deal with climate change and international competition, while meeting public expectations. Europe needs its farmers. And its farmers need the support of Europe. The Common Agricultural Policy is our food production, and is the future of over half of our territories, "said Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

In line with the other Commission policy initiatives for the period after 2013, the reformed CAP will make a decisive contribution to Europe 2020. It will fight against climate change, support employment and growth, promote innovation and enhance both the economic and ecological competitiveness of agriculture.