European Action Days 2024
This October once again STEP will join the Good Food Good Farming “Action Days campaign” to raise our voices for the problems of the small and medium farms, and also of the EU citizens, regarding food production and consumption. Because we want future, where:
- Farmers & farm workers are in charge - not exploited.
- The answer is agroecology - not agroindustry.
- Rural areas are flourishing - not neglected.
- There is place for nature - not pesticides.
- Good food is a basic right - not a privilege.
- Our food system works for the people, planet and climate - not for profits.
Why is it necessary?
The EU spends 55 billion euros on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) every year, which accounts for one-third of the EU budget! The CAP is the EU’s main instrument for agricultural subsidies and support, using an area-based payment system: the bigger the farm, the bigger the subsidy.
As a result, 80% of CAP money goes to 20% of farms in Europe, allowing large industrial farms to increase their profits while small and medium-scale farms are in alarming decline.
This does not happen by chance. There is a powerful web of players pulling the strings: agro-industry giants and lobby groups have close ties with European decision makers to effectively block green initiatives and maintain the current industrial model. These economic interests are embedded in the CAP budget and spending guidelines, which are determined by the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The MFF sets the maximum amount of EU funds allocated to CAP and outlines how this money must be used.
Why now?
In 2025, we have a window of opportunity to influence how money is distributed within the EU: the Council of the EU must negotiate the MFF and the European Commission will propose a text for the next CAP (post-27).
Negotiations on these proposals start now, so it is our time to let national and EU decision-makers know: We want change! Stop favoring industrial farming giants and ensure enough funds for a just agroecological transition.