Transition to a new EU farm policy: food security and protecting farmers’ income
Delays in EU farm policy reforms will not affect farmers’ incomes. Parliament approved a proposal in December 2020 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.
Delays in the new Common Agricultural Policy (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. Parliament approved the new CAP in November 2021. It will take effect from January 2023.
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.
Discover more agriculture facts and figures in our infographic
Parliament’s position
Parliament wants this legislation to give farmers predictability, stability and financial continuity, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the agri-food sector. The 2023-2027 CAP reform supports small scale and young farmers, supports farmers in crises and promotes climate-friendly practices.
Find out more
- Briefing: transitional provisions for the CAP post-2020 period
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European Commission: the Common Agricultural Policy
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European Commission: Common Agricultural Policy Post-2020
- Creating a sustainable food system: the EU's strategy
- Press release: agriculture MEPs back deal on key 2021-2022 provisions (1 December 2020)
- Briefing: coronavirus crisis support for EU farmers
