Representing a third of the EU’s budget, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) pays around €54 billion in subsidies each year to farmers and rural areas across the bloc. But the policy disproportionately benefits large landowners, has been plagued by allegations of corruption and fraud and is linked to workers’ rights abuse.

While decision-makers battle over the future of the scheme, DeSmog investigates where the billions go. We examine its impact on human rights and nature, and ask which companies and industry groups are blocking reform.