I do not foresee the agricultural policy, as it currently exists, being needed forever. Agriculture will evolve over time into something more like a good rural development programme. The present direction agriculture is taking will keep the policy in place for the next ten years or a little longer. The size of the budget is not in question. The commitment of resources to the Common Agricultural Policy is not likely to be withdrawn in the foreseeable future. However, it will be used more as an instrument for the enhancement of rural areas and to prevent desertification and the depopulation of huge areas of the member states. Things can change as time passes.