A Common Agricultural Policy that ensures healthy, sustainable, and affordable food for European consumers

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) affects almost every aspect of the European food system. Its design influences what is economically viable for farmers, how markets respond to shocks, what foods are available to consumers and at what price. Consumers recognise the importance of income support for farmers, but they want the CAP to go beyond agricultural policies. 

Drawing on BEUC survey’s results on what consumers want from the CAP, this paper sets out the key points the new CAP proposal post-2027 needs to address to match consumers expectations in three ways: 

• The CAP as a driver of sustainable and healthy food systems;
• Guaranteeing access to healthy food;
• Improving governance, transparency and citizen involvement.