CAP deal falls short but green reform still attainable

The final deal on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy could not be described as a radical reform.

Although it falls short of the initial promises to deliver a truly green policy on public goods, it does provide for transitional measures into greener practices which are welcomed.

The greening package of three basic agronomic practices as a pre-condition for the receipt of Pillar 1 direct payments, has been watered down, but an effective green reform is still attainable if the political will is there.