Table 2 Frame matrix of five frames used in European Commission Communications on CAP reforms (1991 and 1997)—production-coupled support (1992–2003)

Policy mechanism^a

Reform of policy measures, decreasing market-price support, compensatory payments, introducing rural development

“implementation of policy”, “policy instruments”, “regimes”, “support measures”, “price support”, “direct aid”, “dairy quotas”

“In the milk sector, quotas will have to be reduced on a modulated basis.”

Farmers’ economic^b

Improving farm income

“stability of farm’ income”, farmers’ ageing”

“The reform guideline is: taking into account the income problems of small family farms…”

Foreign trade^a

Global and internal competitiveness, market orientation, multi-lateral trade negotiations

“competitiveness”, “market orientation”

“Community preference is to take account of the need for competitiveness.”

Societal concerns^c

Agricultural environmental issue

“to preserve the natural environment”

“The Commission supports promotion an increased awareness among farmers of environmental problems.”

Budgetary^b

Scope of budget, distribution between member states, share of budget per group of measures—pillars

“budget”, “expenditure”, “ceilings”, “justification of the CAP”, “pillars”

“The budget for 2002 envisages that the margin under the respective ceilings for the year will remain at around EUR 2.3 billion.”