An assessment of the implications and challenges of the accession of Turkey to the EU for agricultural policy and farming

In the discussion about the EU accession of Turkey the financial consequences for the EU are. besides the cultural dimension, considered as particularly challenging. The expenditure on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) still accounts for the largest proportion of the EU budget. Furthermore, the Turkish agricultural sector is huge and yet, compared to that of the EU, at a low level of development. Consequently, this policy area in particular is seen as potentially pushing up costs. A number of studies on this topic have been conducted and these are the main focus of this contribution. Apart from the presentation of different approaches and cost estimates. an assessment has been carried out which suggests that the costs of enlargement for the CAP do not warrant any alarmism. Due to the long time-frame until accession and probable changes in the structures of Turkish agriculture and the entire economy, as well as further CAP reforms in the EU and other factors, the level of transfer payments within the framework of CAP at the time of accession will be controllable. Apart from the financial questions other challenges, primarily for the Turkish agricultural sector. have been taken into consideration. Integration necessitates, the far-reaching adaptation of Turkey. which will require major investment. Alongside the stringent requirements in the area of animal and plant health, food safety and border controls, an efficient management of structural changes is needed. Thus, it is imperative to prepare a strategy for rural and agricultural development today that is directed towards EU integration.