In the current geopolitical context, EU farming that secures constant access to food is a critical component of EU security and defence policies, say MEPs. Their report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP) was adopted by the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) Committee on Monday by 29 votes in favour, 9 votes against, and with 8 abstentions.
MEPs therefore demand an increased and standalone CAP budget. The CAP must not be integrated with other funding areas in a single fund or become part of a total envelope used by member states for purposes other than agriculture.
Direct income support for all active, professional farmers following an area-based model should be reinforced. To support rural development efficiently, the CAP’s second pillar must remain independent from cohesion policies. Voluntary coupled income support payments for sectors in difficulty should be maintained or increased, add MEPs.
Simplification and digitalisation
Reducing the administrative burden for farmers must be one of the CAP’s guiding principles. MEPs call for an incentive-based system for farmers to achieve environmental and social objectives. Eco-schemes should therefore remain voluntary and be accompanied by remuneration. The implementation of good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) requirements must take existing farming practices into account.
All farmers must have access to innovative and digital solutions that support sustainable agriculture, boost their income and reduce the administrative workload. To minimise stressful farm inspection procedures, monitoring of the use of CAP funds should be based on satellite imagery and self-certification, in a centralised, electronic reporting system, say MEPs.
Generational renewal on farms
Generational renewal is essential for the future of EU agriculture. Yet almost 58% of farmers in the EU are over 55 years of age while those aged under 35 represent only 6% of all farmers. The AGRI Committee therefore wants to increase financing from the CAP and raise the number of tax and loan incentives, so as to remove barriers to becoming a farmer.
Harmonised EU labelling of agri-food products
More than 70% of consumers in the EU decide what to buy based on the information on packaging. To prevent them from being misled, MEPs are calling for harmonised European labelling including information about the origin, quality and production standards of agri-food products.
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Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) said: “We need a CAP that strengthens food supply, supports rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. But we strongly reject any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU instruments. It must remain a true common policy with dedicated funds and independent pillars, ensuring equal support for all European farmers.”
Follow a press conference with the rapporteur on Tuesday at 9:00 CEST.
Next steps
The report will now be put to a plenary vote, possibly during the 8‑11 September session.
Background
The European Commission plans to announce the 2028-2034 common agriculture policy proposal together with the next long‑term budget in mid-July 2025.