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How does the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy work?
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The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is an agricultural policy implemented to provide a stable food supply, support farmer incomes and encourage agricultural development throughout Europe. The CAP works by providing financial assistance to farmers across the EU, including direct payments or subsidies, market supports and financial incentives. This enables farmers to produce at prices that would otherwise not be possible, while simultaneously encouraging environmental enhancements, better food security and improved rural development. The policy also sets minimum standards for food safety, veterinary controls and animal welfare. Finally, the CAP also helps to support the transport and marketing of EU agricultural products around the world.