The European Parliament has adopted its position on the future of the EU’s agricultural policy

The EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) should not be merged with other funding areas or become part of a wider financial framework used by member states for non-agricultural purposes, Parliament says. Direct income support should be paid to all active, professional farmers, following an area-based model. Rural development should be supported independently of cohesion policies, MEPs add.

Simplifying the CAP

Reducing the administrative burden on farmers should be a fundamental principle of the CAP. MEPs want an incentive-based system that encourages farmers to achieve environmental and social goals. Ecosystems should remain voluntary and should be accompanied by remuneration. MEPs want existing farming practices to be taken into account when farmers are required to meet the requirements for maintaining land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC).

Digitising agriculture

All farmers should have access to innovative and digital solutions that support sustainable agriculture, increase their income and reduce their administrative burden. To minimise burdensome farm control procedures, MEPs say the use of CAP funds should be monitored using satellite imagery and self-declarations in a centralised, electronic reporting system.

Water management and circular economy in agriculture

To ensure sufficient and high-quality food production, Parliament calls for investments in modernising and developing water storage, distribution and storage infrastructure, and in treating and treating waste water. Farmers should also be offered incentives to use biomass, agricultural waste and by-products.

Generational renewal on farms

Generational renewal is essential for the future of EU agriculture. Almost 58% of farmers are over 55 years old and only 6% are under 35 in the EU. MEPs want to increase funding from the CAP and the number of tax and credit incentives to remove obstacles to becoming a farmer.

The resolution was adopted by 393 votes to 145, with 123 abstentions.

Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, Spain) said: “We are fighting for a dignified, fair future for the European agricultural sector. This means a truly common agricultural policy that strengthens the food supply chain, supports dynamic rural communities and supports farmers through innovation, generational renewal and fair market conditions. We cannot support any cuts in funding, nor the nationalisation of CAP funds or the pooling of money with other EU instruments. Above all, we must maintain and guarantee direct payments to farmers; they are the backbone of their income and the most effective means of ensuring food security and territorial balance in Europe.”