Edward Elgar Publishing EU Agricultural Law and Policy (Elgar European Law series)

This comprehensive yet accessible book offers an in-depth overview of the law relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It explores both the initial objectives set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, and also those policies that have emerged as a result of the growth of competencies within the EU. Examining the four regulations that currently govern the CAP in the areas of direct payments, rural development, finance, and the common organisation of the markets, the author considers their interpretation in the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the General Court. Throughout this insightful book, the European Commission's proposals for CAP reform are discussed and an astute assessment of their National Strategic Plans concludes that Member States would benefit from greater discretion in fine-tuning the principles of the policy established at European level to the particular characteristics of their national agricultural sector. Students and scholars of European law and agricultural law more specifically will find this book a structured and nuanced guide to existing and future policy at both EU and WTO levels. Policy makers and practitioners will also find its up to date treatment of the law a valuable reference. Review 'This book is a superb survey of the legal foundations of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Beautifully written and bang up to date, Professor McMahon has drawn on a wide range of sources, including basic legislation, Commission delegated and implementing acts, and Court of Justice judgements, to produce this outstanding and comprehensive study. It will be an indispensable guide and reference for all who work with or are affected by the EU s agricultural policy.' --Alan Matthews, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland 'This very timely new text examines a complex, yet under explored area of European Union Law. In so doing it provides a comprehensive and highly accessible analysis of the legal framework. The author provides a clear account of the laws underpinning the wide range of policy areas that converge within Europe's present Common Agricultural Policy. Additionally he addresses the challenges that will drive reform and which light the path toward Europe's future agricultural policy.' --Brian Jack, School of Law, Queen's University Belfast, UK 'Professor McMahon's book is a comprehensive and academically rigorous examination of the EU's common agricultural policy from its beginnings in the 1950s. Concise and readable, it shows how the CAP has evolved over 70 years and includes a detailed analysis of the latest proposals for the CAP into the 2020s. The book is well laid out, easy to navigate and full of detail. The author has done all those interested in EU agriculture an invaluable service.' --Bernard O'Connor, Nctm, Brussel About the Author Joseph A. McMahon, Full Professor of Commercial Law, University College Dublin, Ireland