SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY (CAP)

Abstract

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a fundamental framework guiding agricultural practices and rural development within the European Union (EU). This paper explores the social and economic impacts of CAP, examining its influence on agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. Through a review of literature and analysis of policy outcomes, the study identifies both positive and negative consequences of CAP on the agricultural sector and broader socio-economic conditions. The paper concludes by discussing areas for future research, particularly in relation to CAP’s ongoing reforms and their implications for sustainable agriculture and rural development.