Multifunctionality: instrument and weapon for the re-negotiation of the CAP - The EU cannot pretend that the CAP already has fully developed the "multifunctional" nature of the European Farming Model. Multifunctionality can thereby be understood as: a) an excuse in favor of greater border protection justified by the specific nature of the agricultural sector (closed multifunctionnality inside the Dependent Agriculture paradigm); b) an argument in favor of greater use of rural development measures (within the so- called Green Box measures) (rural multifunctionality inside the Competitive paradigm); c) recognition of the links between trade and non economic objectives (Multifunctional Agriculture paradigm strictu sensu). The debate continues in the WTO and in the EU as to which of the three interpretations will prevail during the agricultural trade negotiations and the reform process of the CAP.
