Parliament sets out position on the future of EU agricultural policy

MEPs insist that the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) should not be integrated with other areas of funding or be part of a larger financial envelope used by Member States for purposes other than agriculture.

Direct income support should be paid to all active professional farmers on an area-based model. Rural development should be supported independently from cohesion policies.

Simplification of the CAP

Reducing the administrative burden for farmers must be one of the guiding principles of the CAP, says the resolution. MEPs want an incentive-based system to encourage farmers to achieve environmental and social objectives. Organic schemes should remain voluntary and be accompanied by remuneration. The text calls for existing farming practices to be taken into account when requiring farmers to comply with requirements to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC).

Digitisation of agriculture

All farmers must have access to innovative and digital solutions that support sustainable agriculture, increase their income and reduce their administrative burden. To minimise the stress generated by farm inspections, Parliament advocates controls based on satellite imagery and self-certification via a centralised electronic reporting system.

Water management and circular economy in agriculture

To ensure sufficient and good quality food production, Parliament calls for investment in the modernisation and development of water retention, distribution and storage infrastructure, as well as waste water treatment and purification. It also calls for incentives for farmers to recover biomass, agricultural residues and co-products.

Generational change on farms

Generational renewal is essential for the future of EU agriculture. Almost 58% of EU farmers are over 55 years old and only 6% are under 35. MEPs call for increased CAP funding and more tax incentives and loans to remove obstacles to becoming a farmer.

The report was adopted with 393 votes in favour, 145 against and 123 abstentions.

Statement by the rapporteur

Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, Spain) said: “We are fighting for the fair future that Europe’s agricultural sector deserves. That means a truly common CAP that strengthens the food supply chain, supports vibrant rural communities and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal and a fair market. We cannot support any cuts or any attempt to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other instruments. Above all, we must safeguard and guarantee direct payments to farmers; they are the backbone of their income and the most effective tool to ensure food security and territorial balance across Europe”.

More information: European Parliament