About
PATHWAYS has been working on making the livestock sector more sustainable since 2021, and we have developed some tools and resources to contribute our knowledge and research to the conversation on the future sustainable livestock policy landscape.
Evolution of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (1958–2034)
1958–1970s
Foundations of EU Agricultural Policy
1958: Treaty of Rome places agriculture at the core of the European Economic Community, prioritising productivity, market stability, and food security.
1962: Launch of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), creation of Common Market Organisations (CMOs) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), supporting prices and guaranteed sales.
1965–1968: Establishment of Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) and Farm Structure Surveys (FSS) to inform policy.
1970s–1980s
Market Control and Modernisation
Sustainability efforts began to emerge alongside socio-cultural reforms, production quotas, and measures to control overproduction.
Socio-cultural directives incentivise farm modernisation, retirement, and training.
1984: Introduction of quota systems (e.g., milk quotas) to curb overproduction and stabilise markets.1990s
Environmental Integration and Global Alignment
Reforms introduced decoupled support, greater integration of environmental considerations, and the promotion of rural development.
1992: MacSharry Reform shifts from price guarantees to income support, adds environmental measures, and aligns with trade obligations.
1999: Agenda 2000 creates a second pillar for rural development, emphasising competitiveness and social cohesion.
2000s
Greening and Policy Overhaul
Policies encouraged greening, compliance with environmental standards, and reduced reliance on market intervention.
2003: Fischler Reform launches Single Payment Scheme (SPS), decouples subsidies from production, and enforces cross-compliance on environment, animal welfare, and food safety.
2008: CAP ‘health check’ addresses climate change, biodiversity, and natural resources protection.
2010s
Sustainability and Fairer Support
The CAP incorporated environmental targets, ended quotas, exposed farmers more to market forces, and sought fairer distribution of funds.
2013: CAP reform (2014–2020) introduces greening measures, fairer fund distribution, and more rural development funding.
2015–2017: End of milk and sugar quotas, leading to market-driven production and higher volatility.
2019: European Green Deal commits agriculture to ambitious climate and environmental targets.
2020s
Strategic Sustainability and Local Adaptation
New initiatives promoted eco-schemes, local adaptation, and measurable sustainability outcomes.
2020: Launch of Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies, with concrete targets for emissions, nutrient loss, and biodiversity.
2021: Agreement on 2023–2027 CAP, adding eco-schemes, and national strategic plans.
2023: Reformed CAP becomes fully operational, with Member States implementing tailored CAP Strategic Plans.
2025 (May): EU Commission proposes 25 CAP amendments to simplify rules, boost competitiveness, and improve crisis resilience.
2025 (Summer): MFF proposal for 2028–2034 outlines budgetary changes that may result in reduced funding , more national responsibility, and greater competitive pressure from Mercosur trade agreements.
Looking ahead
Uncertainty around the upcoming CAP, combined with increased national decision-making on agricultural support, is reshaping the sector’s landscape. At the same time, greater competitive pressure from trade deals such as Mercosur is intensifying market challenges. These pressures are compounded by stricter environmental regulations, ongoing market volatility, and the structural decline of the livestock industry, creating a complex and uncertain future for producers.
Policy Briefs and Scenarios
Discover PATHWAYS policy briefs and Storylines – a set of scenarios designed to make us reflect about the future of the EU livestock sector.
High Animal Welfare Storyline
Feed-No-Food Storyline
Rural Renaissance Storyline
Efficiency First Storyline
For Sustainable Food: Agriculture Policy in a Changing World
Reports and Resources
