Some EU national governments and lawmakers are pushing to weaken proposals intended to create natural defences against pesticides and fertilisers in crop fields. But they should reconsider their opposition to buffer strips and other natural areas, green advocates say. The future of the CAP remains uncertain in part because the budget for 2014-2020 is still undecided. EU leaders gathering this week in Brussels are to discuss financing for what has traditionally been Europe’s largest single programme amid growing calls for putting the CAP on a diet. Meanwhile, the agricultural ministerial council is scheduled to consider CAP reform on 17-18 December. Read More