WIREDGOV

Delays in negotiating EU farm policy reforms will not affect farmers’ incomes. The Parliament will vote in December on a proposal to ensure a smooth transition.

On 30 June 2020, the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council agreed on a proposal that ensures key provisions for farmers are maintained until 2022.

Existing Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) legislation will be replaced with a new framework but delays in the new CAP negotiations mean a transitional period is needed to ensure farmers do not lose their income and that agricultural production in the EU is secured.

Common Agricultural Policy

Launched in 1962, EU farm policy aims to improve agricultural productivity, promote rural development and address environmental and climate challenges, as well as ensuring that farmers have a fair income.

These goals are achieved through:

• Income support through direct payments to ensure income stability for farmers
• Rewards for environmentally friendly farming and taking care of the countryside
• Market measures to help deal with market crises and boost supply
• Rural development measures to address specific challenges in rural areas

These regularly updated provisions need funding from the EU’s long-term budget. CAP spending accounts for around 34.5% of the EU’s 2020 budget.

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