European agricultural policy requires a stronger performance framework to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Murray Scown, Kimberly A. Nicholas
Abstract
Non-technical summary Agriculture provides many benefits to people, such as producing food and creating jobs in rural areas, but it can also have negative impacts on the environment. We analysed existing monitoring indicators for the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to evaluate whether the CAP is effectively achieving multiple social and environmental goals. We found that the current CAP monitoring system is unable to balance many potentially competing goals because its indicators are biased towards a few objectives. We suggest the European Union and its Member States adopt a broader set of indicators covering clear targets when the policy is reformed after 2020.
Topics & Concepts
European unionAgricultureCommon Agricultural PolicySustainable developmentBusinessAgricultural policyMember statesEnvironmental resource managementEnvironmental planningBalance (ability)Environmental policyEnvironmental economicsEconomic policyEconomicsPolitical scienceGeographyPhysical medicine and rehabilitationMedicineLawArchaeologyAgricultural Economics and PolicySustainable Agricultural Systems AnalysisAgriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact