In 2013, an agreement of a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was reached. A new component called “greening” was introduced, with the purpose of making the direct payments environmentally sustainable. Several studies indicate, however, that the actual impact of the new measure is low. The question is how an alternative, environmentally susstainable agricultural policy could look like.

In this project we conduct the analysis in two steps. First, we evaluate how land use, environmental impact and farmer income is affected if direct support in Pillar 1 is replaced with environmental support. Second, a qualitative analysis is made regarding how new and existing measures could be used for increased environmental sustainability. Based on the analyses, we suggest paths forward for achieving a more environmentally sustainable policy.

The project is financed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and will be finished by autumn 2017.