The latest indications from Phil Hogan’s office suggest that the EU Commissioner for Agriculture will have presented the white paper on the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020 by the end of January 2017.

Some parties have already had discussions surrounding the future shape of the CAP, but this will be the real starting point of the debate.

The white paper is expected to outline a number of possibilities for the CAP 2021-2027 which will be open to public consultation before the final proposal is brought forward. Protecting the budget is once again an issue, with pressure being placed on the Commissioner to justify his proposals based on environmental concerns and emission reduction targets. The withdrawal of the UK from the EU is also likely to reduce the CAP budget.

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A final agreement on CAP 2021 to 2027 will be no easy feat with the voices of the current 28 member states around the table.

By the time negotiations are complete, this may have reduced to 27 member states. Also, with the addition of co-decision, it will have to be passed by both the EU parliament and the council of ministers.