This article is part of a series of reviews designed to provide topical information on agriculture and agricultural policy in the European Community. The development and management of major commodity markets are described, together with supplementary programs (set-aside, income aids, extensification and reconversion). Some boundary conditions of the Common Agricultural Policy (monetary and fiscal restrictions, international trade negotiations) are also dealt with. Finally, the consequences for agriculture and the food sector of the imminent realisation of the Community's single internal market are reviewed and some aspects of German agricultural policy are commented on. The state of information being 1 May 1989, the 1989-90 price decisions have already been taken into account.