Strong budget, two pillars, market regulation and redistribution of aid 89 In short, in addition to the objectives set out for the future of the CAP, it is necessary to draw up and implement objectives that ensure fair market regulation, fair redistribution of support, and guarantee access to land. Security of supply and acscseto essential factors of productino: components of food sovereignty The security of food supply for Europeans is a fundamental component of food sovereignty, but not the only one. It must be guaranteed by increasing the use of productive potential and supporting local production. It must take into account the existence of critical foodstuffs, with minimum levels of self-sufficiency. Access to key factors of production, such as land, water, fuel and energy, must be guaranteed at low prices. 3. Other instruments and mechanisms for implementing theCAP The CAP currently in force, and more specifically the CAP Strategic Plan in Portugal (PEPAC/CAPSP), has highlighted that concentrating all measures in the same implementation instrument can create more entropy than simplicity. It has also shown that some inconsistencies or shortcomings remain in its instruments. Agri-environmental measures: multi-annual support covering regional practices, agroecological practices and mixed farming systems For example, while the existence of AgriEnvironmental Measures (AEM) is positive, it is not understandable that these can result in an undifferentiated product, as is the case with meat produced from pastures using Organic Farming. It is also not understandable that there is no minimum threshold for the marketing of these differentiated products. On the other hand, it does not make sense that benefits that are, or at least should be, provided every year, only receive one-off support. Therefore, AEM should be multi-annual. They should support certain regional, traditional and local practices. In the case of Portugal, the AEM should include support for mixed farming systems, a very important component of agriculture in several regions. Their requirements and support in terms of agroecological practices should also be strengthened. Maintainingcoupledpaymentsand investment support Coupled payments remain an important tool for supporting certain key sectors and maintaining a link between the CAP and production. Regardless of the sectors to be supported, this link should be strengthened through funds resulting from modulation and capping. Investment support should be maintained, but mechanisms accessible to all farmers should be ensured, which may not be the case if certain financial instruments are introduced. The LEADER programme should be maintained, but in line with its logic of local development and diversification of agricultural activity, rather than as a channel for investment. Ensuring access to knowledge and innovation for all farmers Measures aimed at innovation and research should not be placed solely under the remit of producer organisations (POs). It must be ensured that small and medium-sized farms are not left behind in terms of access to knowledge and innovation. 4. Linking the CAP with other policies and investments A single fund will only serve to mask cuts Alongside the EU's cuts to the CAP, its reconfiguration as a mere component of a single fund that combines
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