MEPs supported a series of amendments designed to make the CAP’s environmental rules more adaptable. In particular, it was proposed that farms with full or partial organic certification, as well as those located in special conservation areas, should automatically be considered compliant with certain Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) requirements.
To promote biodiversity and discourage excessive ploughing of grasslands, MEPs also proposed to extend the minimum period for classifying grassland as permanent to seven years. This change is intended to encourage farmers to avoid converting non-rotational grasslands into arable land and to preserve their natural state.
The AGRI Committee rejected the idea of creating a new type of direct payment for farmers affected by natural disasters, but supported using rural development funds to provide such assistance. It also added animal disease outbreaks to the list of events eligible for financial support. Additionally, MEPs proposed to lower the threshold for production or income losses from 20% to 15%, which would allow more farmers to receive compensation through insurance schemes or mutual funds.
Special attention was given to small farms. The committee proposed raising the maximum annual support limit to €5,000 (up from the previously suggested €2,500) and introducing a one-time payment of up to €75,000 to help develop small farming businesses.
The adopted report is expected to be voted on in plenary between October 6–9. If approved, negotiations with EU member states will begin immediately, potentially allowing the final adoption of the new rules in November.
The reform aims to simplify CAP compliance, reduce administrative pressure, and provide farmers with practical tools for sustainable growth in the face of climate change, market instability, and tightening environmental standards.
Source: PigUA.info based on pig333.com