Why is the Common Agricultural Policy so difficult to reform?

It is not so difficult, and in fact it has been reformed several times.
91% (29 votes)
It has not been reformed more often because it has always been one of the most efficient EU policies.
0% (0 votes)
Because farmers have always had a great political clout in Europe.
3% (1 vote)
Because the original treaties have shielded this particular policy from reform atempts.
3% (1 vote)
Because EU decision making is slow in general, and any policy is difficult to reform.
0% (0 votes)
Because it is vital for very powerful member state governments.
3% (1 vote)
Total votes: 32
Learning objectives: 
Understanding the origins of the CAP.
Understanding the major reforms the CAP has undergone throughout its history.
Identifying and understanding the main actors, interests and conflicts regarding the CAP.
Understanding EU decision-making procedures, their evolution and how they have affected the pace of CAP reform.
Understanding how the CAP, in turn, has influenced EU institutional reform.
Understanding the institutions and politics of EU treaty reform.
Understanding the institutions and politics of the EU budget.
Understanding the logic of collective action, and why small groups of farmers are easier to organise than large groups of consumers.
Presentation videos: