Green Blog
21 July 2011
How would you spend 43 billion Euros?
News of the £161 million fortune acquired overnight by a lucky Scottish couple almost made me wish I'd bought a EuroMillions lottery ticket. Their plans for the cash apparently include visiting the Great Wall of China and donating to good causes.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's thought about what I'd do with a lottery win. Buy a flat? Start a business? Travel the world?
Right now, the European Union (EU) is also pondering how to spend a staggering amount of money. 43 billion Euros to be precise. That's enough to pay for the 2012 London Olympics four times - with plenty left over to buy popcorn for everyone watching at home.
43 billion Euros is how much the EU spends on agriculture and land management each year. The way the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cash is allocated is up for review - and we're helping to ensure it supports planet-friendly farming.
Our campaign to make sure the CAP Euros are well spent recently had a major boost. MEPs have included nearly all our proposals - things like more support for small farmers and home-grown animal feed - in a hugely influential report.
If the CAP cash backed more sustainable farming in Europe it would be good news for people in Paraguay, where soy grown for our factory farms is devastating communities.
The EU report is a positive step forward. But we'll be keeping a close watch on MEPs to make sure they keep their promises to help protect people and the environment.
We can't do it without your help.
Melanie Kramers, Communications & Media team
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