In the text adopted by 492 votes to 111 and with 39 abstentions, MEPs want more flexibility and support for farmers in complying with existing common agricultural policy (CAP) rules.
Environmental requirements
MEPs want to introduce more flexibility into how farms can abide by the CAP’s environmental rules. They agree that not only farms that are certified as entirely organic should be automatically considered as meeting some of the requirements to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC), but also farms where only some parts are certified as organic, farms situated in special conservation areas and farms under 50 hectares in size.
Crisis payments
Parliament is against a new type of direct payment proposed by the Commission for farmers who have been affected by natural disasters. However, MEPs agree with the Commission’s proposal for a new crisis payment via the EU’s rural development funds. This crisis support for farmers should be compulsory for member states, MEPs say, and animal disease outbreaks should be added to the list of events the impact of which on farmers could justify the financial support.
RELATED NEWS: Freshfel: Europe cannot build a sustainable future on an unsustainable diet
To allow more farmers to receive support in the case they lose their income or part for their production because of risks that are outside of their control, MEPs also propose lowering the threshold when farmers can access money from national governments to cover insurance premiums. They propose the threshold of at least 15% of lost average annual production or income compared to the 20% proposed by the Commission.
Small farmers and changes to strategic plans
Parliament proposes increasing the maximum limits for the support of small farmers: an annual payment of up to €5,000 (rather than the €2,500 proposed by the Commission) and a new one-off payment for business development of up to €75,000 (from the proposed €50,000).
In order to speed up the implementation of the new flexibility rules, MEPs say that in 2026, changes to the national strategic plans based on this new law can have legal effect before their formal approval by the Commission.
Quote
Rapporteur André Rodrigues (S&D, PT) said: “We are sending the clear signal to nearly nine million farmers in the EU that Europe has listened. Enough of the bureaucratic maze they have to navigate, they will get simpler rules, less paperwork and more predictability. Negotiations with Council have to start without delay to reduce the administrative burden, increase funding for small farmers, and give time back to those who work the land, without undercutting our environmental ambition. We have to deliver a deal that works on the ground, cuts disproportionate penalties, and respects regional specificities, providing stability for Europe’s producers.”
Next steps
Talks with member states are set to start on Thursday 9 October, to potentially enable the final adoption of the new rules during a November 2025 plenary session.
