A competitive and farmer-focused CAP

On December 9, 2024, the Council of Agriculture Ministers of the European Union adopted important conclusions to strengthen the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in favor of farmers. The document highlights the following main points:

1. Farmer-focused future CAP

• Ministers highlighted the strategic importance of the CAP and its role in ensuring food security and safety.
• They urged maintaining a separate and independent CAP containing two pillars.
• They stress the relevance of direct payments and rural development to ensure stable incomes and support the green transition.

2. Enhancing competitiveness and improving the position of farmers in the food supply chain

• The aim is to improve the distribution of added value and ensure fair remuneration for farmers.
• They stress the need to support young farmers, the relevance of small farms, and the participation of women.
• They highlight the role of investment support to promote competitiveness and sustainability.

3. Farmer-friendly delivery model

• Call to simplify CAP-related bureaucracy and procedures.
• They propose speeding up the approval of national strategic plans and making reporting obligations more flexible.
• They seek a more efficient and transparent monitoring, evaluation, and control system.

4. Providing incentives to farmers for the green transition

• Recognition of the key role of farmers in the transition to sustainable practices.
• Need to balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

5. Crisis-proof EU agriculture

• Importance of risk management tools and climate change adaptation measures.
• They call for flexibility in CAP instruments to address extreme events and speed up assistance to farmers.

6. Research and innovation

• Relevance of research to achieve climate goals and ensure sustainable food.
• The circular economy and bioeconomy are highlighted as pillars for the green transition in agriculture and forestry.

The Council stressed that these priorities are essential for a strong agricultural sector, capable of responding to market volatility and the climate crisis. These guidelines will be integrated into future revisions of the CAP, marking a roadmap towards a more sustainable and competitive agriculture.