Free Preview of Members-Only Content

The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy is getting a closer look from member states as food prices continue to rise across Europe.

European Union Agriculture Commissioner Marianne Fischer-Boel will present proposed reforms to the bloc’s agricultural policy to the European Parliament on May 20, following calls by EU officials for measures to alleviate the soaring cost of food in Europe. Reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will not mitigate food prices in the short term, since any reform — if it happens — will most likely be minimal.

Determined to at least address the problem in Europe, the EU’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council added the topic as an emergency item to the agenda for its meeting May 19. Rising food prices, however, are due to complex commodity trading systems, production shortages and skyrocketing demand from developing countries like China and India. Any effects from a reform of the CAP would not be evident for several months. There is also the problem of negotiating substantial reform among the various EU member states, all of whom have their own competing interests.