In a move aimed at addressing the widespread farmers’ protests in Europe, representatives from EU member states in the Special Committee on Agriculture have greenlit changes to several key legislative acts of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, who also has the agricultural brief, emphasized that EU leaders have to listen to farmers and take quick action to address their concerns.
He pointed out that the new regulations strike the right balance between more flexibility for farmers and member states and reducing administrative burdens while still maintaining a high level of environmental ambition.
Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions
Among the approved changes are modifications to the so-called Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC), proposed by the European Commission.
Compliance with these standards is considered when disbursing subsidies to farmers. One of the key amendments introduces a general provision allowing member states to grant temporary and targeted exemptions from certain conditionality requirements in the event of unforeseen climatic conditions that prevent farmers from meeting these requirements. Member states will be required to inform the Commission about such exemptions annually.
The reforms also exempt small farms of less than 10 hectares from controls and penalties related to compliance with conditionality requirements within the CAP.
In response to member states’ earlier requests, the revision ensures that EU countries can now amend their CAP strategic plans twice a year permanently, instead of once as currently. Additionally, it will be possible to submit three requests for changes throughout the programming period.
The Chairman of the Special Committee on Agriculture will now send a proposal letter to the European Parliament, and if all goes according to plan, the regulation will come into force by the end of spring.
Established on May 12, 1960, by the decision of the representatives of the governments of the member states, the Special Committee on Agriculture prepares the work of the Council on Agriculture and Fisheries, especially all legal acts related to the common agricultural policy.
The committee consists of senior officials responsible for agricultural policy in the permanent representations of the member states or in their ministries. The European Commission also participates in all committee meetings, which typically convene once a week.
He pointed out that the new regulations strike the right balance between more flexibility for farmers and member states and reducing administrative burdens while still maintaining a high level of environmental ambition.
Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions
Among the approved changes are modifications to the so-called Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC), proposed by the European Commission.
Compliance with these standards is considered when disbursing subsidies to farmers. One of the key amendments introduces a general provision allowing member states to grant temporary and targeted exemptions from certain conditionality requirements in the event of unforeseen climatic conditions that prevent farmers from meeting these requirements. Member states will be required to inform the Commission about such exemptions annually.
The reforms also exempt small farms of less than 10 hectares from controls and penalties related to compliance with conditionality requirements within the CAP.
In response to member states’ earlier requests, the revision ensures that EU countries can now amend their CAP strategic plans twice a year permanently, instead of once as currently. Additionally, it will be possible to submit three requests for changes throughout the programming period.
The Chairman of the Special Committee on Agriculture will now send a proposal letter to the European Parliament, and if all goes according to plan, the regulation will come into force by the end of spring.
Special Committee on AgricultureEU countries have agreed on measures to review parts of the EU’s common agricultural policy #CAP in support of farmers.
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 26, 2024
The measures will:
👉 cut red tape
👉 ensure more flexibility to farmers
More: https://t.co/tFP4c2HchR
Established on May 12, 1960, by the decision of the representatives of the governments of the member states, the Special Committee on Agriculture prepares the work of the Council on Agriculture and Fisheries, especially all legal acts related to the common agricultural policy.
The committee consists of senior officials responsible for agricultural policy in the permanent representations of the member states or in their ministries. The European Commission also participates in all committee meetings, which typically convene once a week.
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