CAP: Commission outlines simplification measures

The European Commission has outlined the measures it will take in order to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and boost farmers' competitiveness.

Its package is targeting the administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response, and investment needs of the sector.

The changes could save up to €1.58 billion annually for farmers and €210 million for national administrations, while making payments easier to manage. 

European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen said: "The CAP is a vital safety net and support for our farmers, and the agri-food sector in general.

"Its potential should not be eroded by excessive bureaucracy, that is what we are doing here."

"In the vision, we asked ourselves how to make farming more attractive for current and future generations. This is what guided our work, to avoid, by all means, that the demands of our policy discourage young or new farmers from entering the profession, or current farmers to stop farming," the commissioner added.

The commission has acknowledged that farmers across the EU are subject to heavy administrative obligations that often fail to reflect the realities on the ground.

To address these challenges, the commission is proposing targeted solutions through a set of changes based on extensive feedback from stakeholders and member states.

The first change is that the annual lump sum payment limit for small farmers will be increased from €1,250 to €2,500.

According to the commission, the purpose of these payments for small farmers is to promote a more balanced distribution of support, strengthen the vitality of rural areas, and reduce administrative burdens for both farmers and authorities.

The simplification package aims to better accommodate diverse farming practices and local conditions, while reducing overlap with existing national rules.

For example, certified organic farms will automatically be considered as meeting some of the EU's environmental requirements for funding.

For some of the more demanding requirements, farmers may also benefit from incentives to protect peatlands and wetlands, as set out under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition 2 (GAEC 2).

This support will also help them comply with national rules that go beyond EU standards, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.

In addition, a new principle will be introduced, with only one on-the-spot check per year per farm.

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Farmers that are affected by natural disasters or animal diseases are set to be better supported from a new crisis payments available under CAP, and from more flexible and accessible risk management tools.

Member states will also be given greater flexibility in adapting CAP strategic plans, with prior approval from the commission needed only for strategic amendments.

Under the new CAP, small farmers will also find it easier to get financial support through a new funding option that offers up to €50,000 as a lump-sum to help improve the competitiveness of their farms.

The commission's legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption. 

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