While the CAP framework was designed by the outgoing Commissioner Phil Hogan, the recent announcement of the Green Deal by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is likely to lead to a further focus on environmental programmes. The Farm to Fork strategy, agriculture’s contribution to the Green Deal, is being led by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides, not the Commissioner for Agriculture.

Stella Kyriakides European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety \ EP

Her ambition is to dramatically reduce EU use of pesticides, fertiliser and antibiotics as part of this strategy and she has said she sees the CAP as a tool that will help achieve these reductions.

Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski has also committed to a renewed focus on organic production as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. Of course, encouragement of organic production would in itself lead to a dramatic reduction of fertiliser, pesticides and antibiotics.

Green deal may dominate as EU agriculture ministers meet

Green Deal to cut use of pesticides and fertilisers

CAP changes: who are the key players in Brussels?

A number of key changes have taken place in Brussels with a new Commission and the introduction of a Green Deal.