The European Parliament has approved the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) following a lengthy legislative process.

A deal was struck back in June deal by negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council, and mediated by the European Commission.

A debate today (Tuesday, November 23) was succeeded by members of the European Parliament (MEPs) finally exercising their vote that will see the new EU farm reform come into force in 2023 for a five-year period.

Voting was divided into three categories as follows:

The European Commission has yet to assess whether countries' national CAP strategic plans are in line with biodiversity and environmental and climate laws and commitments.

Countries must submit these by the end of 2021.

Key aspects of the approved reform include:

Current CAP rules were extended after December 31, 2020 and replaced by transitional rules that are in place until the end of 2022.

Once approved by the council, the new rules will be applicable from January 1, 2023.