Which EU policy mainly influences agriculture?

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the primary EU policy that influences agriculture. Established in the 1960s, CAP aims to support farmers, ensure food security, and promote sustainable farming practices throughout the European Union. This policy provides financial assistance to farmers, which helps stabilize their income, encourages rural development, and facilitates practices that contribute to environmental sustainability. Through various schemes and measures, the CAP promotes competitiveness in the agricultural sector, ensuring that it can adapt to changing market conditions and consumer demands.

Other policies like the Common Fisheries Policy focus specifically on managing fishery resources, the Regional Development Policy targets broader economic development and cohesion among EU regions, and the Environmental Policy addresses environmental protection and sustainability without being exclusively centered on agricultural practices. Thus, CAP is uniquely positioned as the key driver for agricultural influence within the EU framework.