Agriculture

Agricultural policy reforms are needed in many countries today due to the high costs of subsidies. This is the case in Europe and North America. In addition, developing countries are pushing for more open markets for agricultural products as an important part of increasing free trade. In Europe, pending reforms may impact the development of energy crops. The EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms have two goals: an increasing market orientation of the sector, and the reinforcement of structural, environmental, and rural development aspects of sustainable agriculture (European Commission 2002). Aspects that could favor bioenergy, such as the multi-functionality of agriculture, are among the principles driving agricultural policy in the EU today. Although there are no specific non-food policies, a number of measures related to agri-environment and structural measures in particular, provide opportunities for the development of non-food crops (Bauen 2005).