90 ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES CULTIVAR No. 34 The future of the Common Agricultural Policy direct support, rural development and cohesion seems to us to be deeply negative. On the one hand, because it is only intended to mask the huge cuts planned for the CAP. On the other, because it opens up the possibility that Member States will, in practice, end the unified nature of the CAP, by accentuating their differences instead of promoting real convergence. Nevertheless, synergies between the CAP and cohesion policies are possible and desirable. This is nothing new, so it is not necessary to unify both purposes in the same fund in order for these synergies to exist. Investing in irrigatiaond promoting therational useof water is a priority Another urgent issue that is becoming increasingly pressing is the effective implementation of investments in irrigation, which are a priority for the productive capacity of our agriculture. It is not only necessary to ensure increased storage capacity, but also the rational use of water. This latter objective, along with guaranteeing access to water, cannot be achieved by channelling most of the water into super-intensive production. Forestry poclyi: moving from annocuenments to action requires substantial funds Finally, countries such as Portugal would greatly benefit from a CAP with a strong forestry component. However, this would first require a substantial increase in CAP funding. For example, in the case of Portugal, any forestry policy, beyond the endless list of promises and projects that is repeated after each severe fire season, requires substantial funding for its implementation, which is far beyond the current scope of the CAP. 5. Conclusion The objectives outlined for the future of the CAP must include: i) the regulation of agri-food markets, in particular by prohibiting purchases below production costs; ii) the bold implementation of aid redistribution mechanisms, with capping and modulation of all support, and with increased support for small-scale farming; iii) guaranteed access to land and other key factors of production. A fairer CAP must support all those who produce, but only those who produce, contribute to the economic, social, environmental and cultural viability of rural areas, and support agro-ecological and regional practices. It must give priority to new farmers, young people and women, small and medium-sized farmers, and agriculture in areas with natural or environmental constraints. Defending the dignity of farmers, guaranteeing security of supply (considering minimum levels, priority foodstuffs and utilisation of production potential), and access to sufficient and healthy food are fundamental components of food sovereignty. In our country, it is necessary to make investments in irrigation and forestry a reality, moving from decades of promises and plans to concrete actions. A fairer CAP also needs a strong budget and must retain its common and autonomous character, which is why cuts to the CAP and its artificial merging with other policies must be rejected. The CAP also needs to gain weight in EU policy choices and not be sacrificed to other commercial or political objectives, such as militarisation. These are the main goals of farmers and of an agricultural model that guarantees their future and that of our territories.
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