The impact of CAP changes on EU farming with special reference to cattle farming and Ireland
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For over four decades, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union (EU) has been the major factor influencing food supply in Western Europe. In the cattle sector it encouraged intensive production methods which led to severe surpluses of beef at market level. In a subsequent change of policy, the MacSharry reforms of 1992, cattle ownership was subsidised. But, with no reference to quality criteria in the individual animal payments it did nothing to enhance the quality of production. Subsidisation of extensive production, also a part of that policy change, worked in the direction of reducing beef output. The policy change restricted the management autonomy of the farmer and tended to divorce the production process from the influence of market forces, both of which could be regarded as seriously negative outcomes. Changes in the mid-term review will provide much increased freedom to EU farmers in relation to products produced, stocking densities and quality of output while incorporating certain key aspects in relation to production methods which are desired by consumers. These have implications for the mix of resources used, the type and range of products produced, markets and marketing. To lead and support these changes, animal production scientists may have to adjust the type and scope of research and development they undertake.