European Commission proposes to simplify CAP to boost competitiveness

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Raffaele Fitto, EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, said in Brussels that the legislative changes could save farmers up to €1.58 billion and national administrations €210 million a year, while making payments more flexible and easier to manage, simplifying certain requirements and making crisis management tools more accessible. According to the relevant Brussels communication, in order to make the sector more attractive, the limit of the annual lump sum payment for small farmers will be increased from €1,250 to €2,500. The aim is to promote a more balanced distribution of support and strengthen the vitality of rural areas. The farmers concerned will also be exempted from certain environmental rules, while at the same time they will be able to benefit from payments rewarding environmentally friendly farming, they wrote.

The simplification package takes into account different farming solutions and local circumstances

For example, certified organic farms will automatically be considered as meeting some of the EU environmental requirements for the purpose of disbursing funding. This will also help them comply with national rules that go beyond EU standards, ensuring that their efforts are fairly compensated, they highlighted.

To reduce the administrative burden of inspections, checks will be simplified using satellites and other technology

In addition, only one on-the-spot check per farm will be carried out per year. EU farmers affected by natural disasters or animal diseases will receive better support. Small farmers will have easier access to financial support through a new simplified financing option offering a lump sum of up to €50,000 to improve the competitiveness of farms. Member States will have more flexibility in adjusting their CAP strategic plans, as the prior approval of the EU Commission will only be required for strategic amendments. The EU Commission will now submit the legislative proposal to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for adoption, it was informed.

MTI