EU Council approves changes to agricultural rules to boost competitiveness

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The simplification measures could significantly reduce administrative burdens and costs, saving farmers up to €1.6 billion a year and more than €200 million for member states, the EU Council said in a statement. The amended legislation will allow member states to grant crisis aid to farmers who have been victims of natural disasters, adverse climatic events or unexpected negative environmental events. Such payments ensure the continuity of the agricultural activity of the farmers concerned, they wrote. The law, among other things, gives Member States flexibility to decide to what extent semi-organic farms can comply with the requirements for maintaining good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC).

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

For example, certified organic farms can automatically be considered as meeting some of the EU environmental requirements for the purpose of funding. This will also help farms comply with national rules that go beyond EU standards, ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their efforts, they highlighted. Farmers can also be exempted from certain environmental rules while still receiving payments rewarding environmentally friendly farming, they wrote. In order to reduce the administrative burden of inspections, checks will be simplified through the use of 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. Member States will have more flexibility to adjust their CAP strategic plans, as prior approval by the EU Commission will only be required for strategic amendments, they added.

MTI