Text · Amendment list
Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034
Document AGRI-AM-790915 · COM(2025)0560 – 2025/0241(COD)
- Kind
- Amendment list AGRI-AM-790915
- Date
- 13 July 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
- Dossier
- 2025-0241
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- COM(2025)0560 – 2025/0241(COD)
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| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to eligible recipients, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. At the same time, particular attention should be paid to the prevention of acquisition of agricultural land by billionaires, commercial conglomerates or even oligarchic structures, both domestic and foreign, through the exploitation of hectare-based payments, and ensuring instead that public funds are distributed fairly and productively. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States may pay area-based degressive income support, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity are not excluded. Member States should also grant more area-based support to other groups of farmers or farmers in particular geographical areas or regions which demonstrate additional income needs on the basis of agricultural income criteria determined by the Member States through whichever data sources or methodologies they deem appropriate. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to active farmers, engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, including small, part-time, pluri-active farmers, and family farms. To better target support to the ones who need it the most, Member States should establish negative lists which exclude certain types of beneficiaries from receiving support under the CAP. In line with the objective to foster generational renewal in agriculture, Member States shall provide for a higher income support for young farmers. |
In line with Recital (9), the degressive area-based income support intervention should only be paid to active farmers, which should encompass only persons involved in at least a minimum amount of agricultural activities. Additionally, the amendment specifies that Member States should establish negative lists excluding types of beneficiaries from receiving CAP support.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity on their holding is agricultural, recognizing that irrespective of farm size all farmers contribute to food security while understanding that for many landowners, due to farm size it is an economic necessity to supplement farm returns with off farm earnings to generate a household income, these pluriactive farmers add diversity to rural areas and are part of the social fabric vital to retain populations in a multifunctional countryside; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support primarily to professional farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. This should not result in professional farms that generate production, investment and employment in the region being automatically penalised. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. In addition, coupled income support allows to target products of interest in specific agricultural sectors and to incentive farmers to make them part of their production system. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. Member States should ensure that the funds freed up as a result of the degressive income support and the capping remain in the regions concerned. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded; aid should not be paid to those who simply maintain agricultural land without any substantive productive activity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, cooperatives, producers' groups, Producer Organisations (POs) and Associations of Producers Organisations (APOs), who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to natural or legal persons or groups of natural or legal persons exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity on their holding(s) while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria established by Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support to natural or legal persons or groups of natural or legal persons exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity on their holding(s) while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria established by Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support to natural or legal persons or groups of natural or legal persons exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity on their holding(s) while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria established by Member States. |
The concept of ‘Principal Activity’ risks further complexity and administration to an already complex system. More importantly, it risks excluding a significant cohort of active farmers that are engaged in off-farm employment out of necessity rather than design (most especially small-scale family farms engaged in vulnerable farm sectors), given the low market returns often secured. To exclude farmers with off farm income streams from key income supports would massively impact their standard of living and on-farm economic viability to a point for many would simply exit production, which would have broader economic consequences across Europe. Member States must be allowed to choose the criteria to define the criteria for what constitutes a farmer/beneficiary, taking account national conditions and existing systems.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those natural or legal persons or to those groups of natural or legal persons who are engaged in at least a minimum level of productive agricultural activity on their holding(s), without, however, discounting the provision of support to farmers who are engaged in several activities or who work on a part-time basis, in accordance with the criteria laid down by Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Member States should establish objective and non-discriminatory eligibility criteria for area-based income support, taking into account prevalence of pluriactivity in rural areas, and ensuring that support is directed to persons carrying out a genuine agricultural activity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the degressive income support based on the holding's size only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of 25 % of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Member States should pay the area-based income support to natural or legal persons or groups of natural or legal persons exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity on their holding(s) while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or parttime farmers in accordance with the criteria established by Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. | (10) Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, or that provide a significant contribution to agricultural employment and food security based on the criteria set by the Member States |
Area based income support should be paid only to farmers whose principal activity is agriculture but also all the farmers contributing in a significative way to agricultural employment and/or food security.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Whereas the Union’s food sovereignty is a strategic objective of vital importance in terms of guaranteeing its economic resilience, its food security and its autonomy in the face of geopolitical, climate and economic crises; whereas, to this end, the Union and Member States should be able to implement proportionate economic protection measures in order to protect strategic agricultural sectors against unfair competition practices, environmental and social dumping as well as imports which do not comply with standards equivalent to those imposed on European producers; whereas these measures help to maintain diversified agricultural production throughout the whole of the Union and to ensure a fair income for farmers. Given the need to target the support to those most in need, Member States should pay the area-based degressive income support only to those persons whose principal activity is agriculture, while ensuring that small and pluri-active farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, are not excluded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) In the context of increasing pressure on natural resources, the need to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector and to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and low-emission production systems, Member States should support voluntary agricultural and forestry practices that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, improved water and soil quality, sustainable nutrient management, greenhouse gas emission reductions, carbon sequestration, animal health and welfare, and the conservation of forest and genetic resources. They should also recognise the role of farmers and forest managers in providing ecosystem services, particularly in mountain areas and other areas facing natural constraints, where agricultural and forestry activities contribute to preventing natural hazards, improving integrated water regulation, preserving landscapes and sustaining rural communities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Organic production certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848, or other agricultural systems recognised as sustainable by the Member States and their regions, constitute a comprehensive production system that contributes to making farms more resilient, reducing reliance on external inputs, generating added value, diversifying the economies of rural areas and making the Union agrifood sector more competitive. Member States should therefore be able to recognise its specific contribution within the CAP interventions, ensuring a suitable, stable and identifiable programme for converting to and maintaining organic production, without generating additional administrative burdens for farmers, livestock breeders or operators. |
Organic production is a strategic sector for Spain because of its production, regional, environmental and economic importance. The CAP should recognise its distinct value as a certified system, without introducing bureaucracy or imposing budgetary restrictions.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Member States bear the primary responsibility for targeting direct payments to reinforce income support for those who need it most. This objective can be effectively achieved through a combination of instruments. Reflecting their specific agricultural holding structures and distribution needs, Member States should be granted the administrative flexibility to either apply a mandatory redistributive payment with a fixed minimum percentage or deploy other appropriate, customized measures, including a redistributive payment calibrated at a lower percentage. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Articles 107, 108 and 109 TFEU should apply to the support under this Regulation. Nevertheless, in accordance with Article 42 TFEU, in view of the specific characteristics of the agricultural sector, those provisions should not apply to support falling within the scope of Article 42 TFEU that are carried out under and in conformity with this Regulation, Regulation (EU) 202X/XXXX [NRP Regulation] or Regulation (EU) No 1308/2012 as well as additional national financing for those interventions where the Union support falls within the scope of Article 42 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) In order to guarantee the equal treatment of beneficiaries throughout the Union and avoid distortions of competition between Member States, any mechanism for capping income support, if applied at the discretion of Member States, should be based on common and harmonised European rules. These rules may take into account the various forms of agricultural organisations recognised under national law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) In view of the structural challenges facing European agriculture, including rising production costs, increasing regulatory requirements and market volatility, future enlargements of the Union should not be financed at the expense of existing farmers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Given the smaller income and size of farms run by women, the CAP should have a particular focus on women’s participation in the socio-economic development of rural areas, especially in farming, supporting and rewarding women’s key role. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. Farmers’ participation in risk management schemes and use of insurance remains limited and insufficiently attractive, due in particular to the inadequacy of certain methods for calculating losses. With a view to encouraging participation in risk management schemes and the use of insurance, Member States should be able to provide for appropriate alternative methods for calculating losses, including methods based on turnover losses, if these methods better reflect the financial situation of the holding and if they are better suited to farmers’ needs. Farmers should be able to choose between methods based on the farmer’s average annual production or average annual income in the preceding threeyear period or based on a threeyear average calculated with reference to the preceding fiveyear period excluding the highest and lowest entry, or alternative methods for calculating losses where these are put in place. As economic operators, farmers should benefit from policy conditions and contractual terms comparable to those available in other economic sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. The risk management system should encompass crop and livestock insurance, an income stabilisation fund and mechanisms providing compensation as soon as possible in response to natural disasters, infectious diseases in animals or extraordinary market disturbances. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. With a view to mitigating the impacts of sudden price fluctuations and other market disturbances, effective mechanisms should be developed for stabilising agricultural markets, encompassing market intervention instruments, support for private storage and the option of mobilising dedicated stabilisation funds. These solutions should complement the risk management system, strengthen the resilience of agricultural holdings, increase the stability of farmers’ incomes and help to maintain Union food security. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, including climate adaptation and mitigation, energy and fuel price volatility, and geopolitical crises, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand and mitigate increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures such as diversification of production and activities as well as nature-based practices. In order to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, farmers affected by crises or catastrophic events, including livestock loss through animal or plant diseases and other risks linked to climate change or environmental degradation, like heatwaves, predator attacks, should be able to access financial support rapidly and through simplified procedures, once the crises has been formally recognised by the competent authority of the Member State according to Art 38 of the NRP Regulation . |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. Insurance uptake and participation in risk management schemes by farmers remain limited and insufficiently attractive, due in particular to the inadequacy of certain methods for calculating losses. In order to foster them and to provide additional support to young farmers, whose vulnerability and exposure to external shocks is significantly higher, Member States are incentivised to use different calculation methods for this category of beneficiaries. |
Given young farmers’ increased vulnerability to external shocks generated by for example price disruptions, market volatility, impacts of climate change such as pests and animal diseases or extreme weather events, they are in higher need to adapted calculation methods for their losses when it comes to risk-management tools. In line with Article 17, the recital precises that young farmers should benefit from such alternative calculation methods.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. Insurance uptake and participation in risk management schemes by farmers remain limited and insufficiently attractive, due in particular to the inadequacy of certain methods for calculating losses. In order to foster them, Member States should be able to provide for appropriate alternative loss calculation methods for risk management schemes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability. In order to ensure a preventive approach, such support should be linked to on-farm implementation of appropriate risk management and risk-preventive measures, in particular tools contributing to adaptation to climate change. The support should enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change, animal disease or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. |
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Cristina Maestre, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Marko Vešligaj, Elena Sancho Murillo, Maria Noichl, Camilla Laureti
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. | (11) Recognising the need for more farm resilience and risk management, support should be granted to improve the ability of farmers to withstand and mitigate increasing risks and crises, such as those related to the climate change or market instability, to enable farmers to participate in risk management tools, including support for insurance premiums and contributions to mutual funds in all Member States. A proactive approach to risk management reinforcing the sector's resilience should be promoted by fixing appropriate maximum support rates, with incentives for farmers who implement risk preventive measures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11a) Agricultural funds should be supplemented by the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe, which should also address challenges in the areas of plant health, animal welfare and water resilience and bring about the creation of a European agricultural reinsurance mechanism – a common Union instrument designed to strengthen risk-sharing and increase the sector’s resilience to climate and market shocks. It is also important to step up investment in research and innovation in agri-food production and precision farming. Only 47.5 % of people who live in the Union’s rural areas have basic digital skills, which considerably limits the potential for innovation and modernisation. In view of this, it is essential to promote coordinated digital training and provide technical and digital advisory services for farmers in order to deliver an inclusive and effective technological transition. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11a) Diversification of production should be supported as a means to strengthen farm resilience, develop new value chains and improve farmers' economic viability. Particular attention should be given to sectors facing structural crises leading to land abandonment, where diversification and combination of productions should be supported as an alternative to the cessation of agricultural activity, accompanied by technical support through the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11a) Member States may support investments in water storage, rainwater harvesting, desalination plants powered by renewable energy sources, infrastructure for the reuse of treated water and smart irrigation systems, in particular in island, coastal, arid and xerothermic regions, with a view to ensuring agricultural production, food security and resilience. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11a) Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity throughout the Union. Financial support for exceptional climate crises affecting agriculture should therefore be provided through a dedicated Union financial instrument outside the CAP budget, ensuring that emergency assistance does not reduce resources available for agricultural income support, rural development or environmental measures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11a) Mountain areas are particularly exposed to climate-related and natural risks, including droughts, floods, storms, landslides, avalanches, frost events and animal diseases. Risk-management instruments under the Common Agricultural Policy should therefore adequately reflect the specific vulnerabilities of mountain farming systems. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11a) Special income support may be granted to agricultural holdings located in regions systematically affected by climatic risks, such as drought, desertification, floods, frost and forest fires, when agricultural production is demonstrably threatened. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11b) Member States should establish a specific support scheme for small and medium-sized family farms, recognising their contribution to food security, maintaining employment in rural regions, biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources. It is proposed that at least 30 % of the investment resources allocated to the modernisation of agricultural holdings be directed to small and medium-sized family farms. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11b) In mountain areas and other areas facing permanent natural constraints, generational renewal requires specific measures reflecting higher investment costs, limited economies of scale and lower profitability. Young farmers in such areas should therefore benefit from enhanced support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (11b) In line with the objectives of this regulation, coupled income support for unsustainable production systems should be rapidly phased out and only be provided for extensive livestock systems and should substantially increase for protein crops, in particular for human consumption. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. CAP-supported measures should also encompass the development of water retention, the construction and modernisation of water retention infrastructure, improvements to the management of water resources, the development of systems for monitoring meteorological conditions and droughts, the performance of soil analyses and the development of fertilisation advice, since work in these areas will increase the resilience of agricultural holdings to the effects of climate change, improve the effectiveness of agricultural production and support the sustainable management of natural resources. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Cristina Maestre, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Marko Vešligaj, Elena Sancho Murillo, Maria Noichl, Camilla Laureti
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water resilience, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, improving of animal health and welfare, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy with a view to strengthening competitiveness, improving working and safety conditions of agricultural workers in the value chain. Member States should prioritise collective approaches and investments, in particular through producer organisations, cooperatives and other forms of collective action, in order to achieve greater efficiency, risk-sharing and broader territorial impact. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, including investments in irrigation, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. Furthermore, a major focus should be placed on investments aimed at expanding and upgrading agricultural processing and storage capacities at both local and regional levels, as an essential step to mitigate market volatility, reduce post-harvest losses, secure food supply chains, and enable farmers to retain a higher share of the added value within the primary production stage. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for prodictive and market-oriented investments implemented by farmers and forest holders, while enhance competitiveness, efficiency and long-term viability of agricultural and forestry activities. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, efficient use of energy and water resources, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy, where these remain compatible with the primary agricultural activity. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases, ensuring that such support is targeted, proportionate and avoids creating structural dependency on crisis–related aid. |
To ensure that CAP supported investments prioritise economic viability and competitivenss of the agricultural sector.To ensure crisis support reamins targeted ans temporary, without distorting normal market functioning or creating dependency.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. Support may also cover investments promoting the vertical integration of agricultural production, including processing, standardisation, packaging, storage, marketing and direct marketing of agricultural products by producers themselves or through producer organisations and cooperative schemes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, with a view to improving competitiveness, creating jobs, introducing innovative technologies, and enhancing animal welfare, agro-forestry practices, on-farm energy production and water management, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. The toolbox to support investments should be enlarged through different interventions, expanding the scope beyond the traditional investment support intervention. |
The amendment specifies that the investment support in the CAP has been enlarged beyond the traditional toolbox, expanding the scope to incentivise innovative and sustainable on-farm investments.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. In order to improve the farmers’position in the value chain it should also be possible to support investments implemented by recognised producer organisations under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 in Member States in which the degree of organisation of farmers has been less than 20 %. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers, including cooperatives or other types of farming collectives, recognised producer organisations in the context of interventions under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and forest holders, where applicable. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, blue and green infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, nature-based, agroecology and agro-forestry practices, energy and water resilience, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, integrated pest management, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy, including localy-sourced biocomposting, and agrivoltaics and building-integrated photovoltaic installations. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers . Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture , agro-forestry practices, energy and water resilience, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, improvements to animal health and welfare, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. The list of ineligible investments set up by Member States should ensure that CAP resources do not support environmentally harmful activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. The list of ineligible investments set up by Member States ensures that CAP resources do not support environmentally harmful activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and integrated and digitalised water management including the modernisation of irrigation systems, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, where appropriate the transition to higher animal welfare production systems, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, improvements to animal welfare and animal health, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, improvements to animal welfare, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases, through an appropriate fiscal policy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, improvements to animal welfare, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. | (12) The CAP objectives should also be pursued through support for investments implemented by farmers and forest holders. Such investments may concern, inter alia, infrastructures related to the development, modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry, agro-forestry practices, energy and water, installation of digital technologies in agriculture, precision farming, diversification of income sources in other activities such as agro-tourism, valorisation of co-products and bioeconomy. It should also be possible to support investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry production potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic events or catastrophic events, including fires, storms, floods, pests and diseases. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) Whereas, pursuant to Protocol No 10 on Cyprus to the 2003 Act of Accession, the application of the Union acquis is suspended in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control; whereas, for decades, citizens of the Republic of Cyprus holding property titles legally recognised under the law of the Republic of Cyprus have been prevented from accessing, using and deriving income from their agricultural land, as a result of the ongoing occupation of Türkiye; whereas this situation has given rise to lasting socio-economic disadvantages, including reduced opportunities for agricultural related income as well as intergenerational economic loss; whereas nothing in this Regulation shall be construed as implying recognition of, or conferring any right or benefit upon, any authority, entity or person exercising effective control in those areas, nor as modifying the scope of Union law as determined by Protocol No 10 on Cyprus to the 2003 Act of Accession; the Commission is invited to consider, the establishment of additional, specific and targeted financial mechanisms, to address the disadvantages arising from the above situation, for lawful owners who can demonstrate lawful title and the objective impossibility to assess and use that land. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) In order to ensure that the CAP contributes effectively and pragmatically to the Union’s environmental and climate objectives, a minimum of 108 billion in current prices of the CAP budget shall be reserved for agri-environmental and climate actions, while preserving sufficient flexibility for Member States to take account of their diverse agricultural structures and regional specificities. Such measures can support farmers in the gradual uptake of sustainable practices, strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, in a balanced and economically viable manner. A targeted and predictable allocation of funding should enhance planning certainty for farmers and administrations, encourage investment and innovation, and ensure that environmental ambitions are achieved in a way that remains compatible with food security and the long-term viability of rural areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) In order to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, farmers affected by crises, including animal or plant diseases and other risks linked to climate change or environmental degradation, should be able to receive financial support swiftly through simplified procedures. At the same time, Union support should encourage a prevention-first approach, focusing on the prevention of risks to human, animal and ecosystem health at source, including through improved biosecurity, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. Member States are implementing a simplified support scheme for small farms with reduced administrative obligations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) In the outermost regions referred to in Article 349 TFEU, agriculture is undermined by permanent structural constraints owing to remoteness, insularity, smaller markets, a reliance on imports for inputs, additional transport costs and greater exposure to climate risks. Incorporating CAP support within the NRP Plans should not serve to undermine the specific measures provided in Regulation (EU) No 228/2013. As such, CAP interventions in the outermost regions should complement – not supplant – support under the POSEI programme. At the same time, the Union’s specific response to the aforementioned permanent constraints should be ongoing, transparent and properly funded. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) Eastern border regions of the Union face specific and long-term challenges linked to their location at the Union’s external border, including disruptions to trade flows, increased transport and logistical costs, pressure on local food supply chains, depopulation risks and the economic consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The CAP should therefore allow Member States to provide targeted support to farmers, producer organisations, cooperatives and local value chains in those regions, in order to strengthen food security, maintain agricultural activity, support local and regional markets and reduce dependency on imports. |
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Maria Noichl
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) Nursery production constitutes an important agricultural activity, providing essential planting material for food production, forestry, agroforestry, biodiversity restoration, urban greening and climate adaptation. Given this cross-cutting contribution to the sector, nursery operators should be recognised as eligible beneficiaries of Union investment support under this Regulation. |
This amendment recognises nursery production as a strategic input supplier across multiple policy objectives of the Regulation — food security, forestry and agroforestry development, biodiversity restoration, and climate adaptation — and ensures that nursery operators are not excluded from Union investment support.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12a) A competitive and sustainable agri-food value chain contributes to the economic viability of farming, food security and rural development. Investments supporting local and regional processing, innovation and value addition should therefore contribute to strengthening farmers' position in the food chain, increasing resilience and promoting sustainable rural economies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12a) Nursery production constitutes an agricultural activity that provides essential planting material for food production, forestry, agroforestry, biodiversity restoration, urban greening and climate adaptation. Nursery operators should therefore be recognised as eligible beneficiaries of Union investment support under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12a) With regard to agriculture in the outermost regions, the measures taken by the Member States under this Regulation and their NRP Plans should supplement existing measures under Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 (POSEI), which retains its own implementing and programming arrangements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12a) (12a) Nursery production constitutes an agricultural activity that provides essential planting material for food production, forestry, agroforestry and urban greening Nursery operators should therefore be recognised as eligible beneficiaries of Union investment support under this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12b) In line with the Union objective of strengthening food security, strategic autonomy and the long-term competitiveness of agriculture, support should be given to farmers to help them produce protein crops for human and animal consumption. Protein crops – and legumes in particular – can help to improve soil fertility, reduce the reliance on imported animal feed, create supplementary income opportunities and bolster the resilience of farms and rural value chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12b) Each Member State prepares and updates every five years a national climate resilience plan for agriculture, which includes a risk assessment, investment priorities, prevention measures, monitoring indicators and a financing plan. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12c) The Union encourages the development of agricultural insurance systems against climate risks, co-financing producers' premiums and promoting common European risk assessment standards. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13) Recognising the necessity for farmers to balance the professional duties with personal and family responsibilities, it should be possible to provide support for farm relief services facilitating replacement of farmers during leave for sickness, childbearing, holidays or in case of training participation. It should be possible to support establishment of these services as well as wages for temporary workers replacing the farmer. | (13) Recognising the necessity for farmers to balance the professional duties with personal and family responsibilities, it should be possible to provide support for farm relief services facilitating replacement of farmers during leave for sickness, childbearing, holidays or in case of training participation. It should be possible to support establishment of these services as well as wages for temporary workers replacing the farmer. In this regard, technical assistance shall support public authorities, Local Action Groups, advisory services, civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in CAP implementation, monitoring and evaluation. |
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Cristina Maestre, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Marko Vešligaj, Elena Sancho Murillo, Maria Noichl, Camilla Laureti
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13) Recognising the necessity for farmers to balance the professional duties with personal and family responsibilities, it should be possible to provide support for farm relief services facilitating replacement of farmers during leave for sickness, childbearing, holidays or in case of training participation. It should be possible to support establishment of these services as well as wages for temporary workers replacing the farmer. | (13) Recognising the necessity for farmers to balance the professional duties with personal and family responsibilities, it should be possible to provide support for farm relief services facilitating replacement of farmers during leave for sickness, childbearing, holidays or in case of training participation. It should be possible to support establishment of these services as well as wages for temporary workers replacing the farmer. To further facilitate employees' participation in training and lifelong learning, such services should support farm workers including through continued wage payments for the duration of training and education measures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Recognising the necessity for farmers to balance the professional duties with personal and family responsibilities, it should be possible to provide support for farm relief services facilitating replacement of farmers during leave for sickness, childbearing, holidays or in case of training participation. It should be possible to support establishment of these services as well as wages for temporary workers replacing the farmer. | (13) Recognising the need for farmers to reconcile their professional activities with their personal and family responsibilities, support should be available for farm relief services that facilitate work-life balance, particularly for women farmers and primary carers, by providing temporary replacement during periods of illness, parental leave, holidays or training, as well as supporting the establishment of such services and the remuneration of temporary replacement workers. Member States are encouraged to promote intergenerational farm relief services through the integration of students through internships and practical placements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13a) The challenges that farmers are facing – such as adapting to climate change, securing incomes, diversifying production, maintaining sustainable livestock farming and ensuring generational renewal – are often best addressed at a regional or territory level: Economic stakeholders in territories should be able to work together to carry out detailed assessments of their needs and strategic objectives, with a particular focus on agricultural sectors requiring further development or enhanced support. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) could thus facilitate the coordination of the measures and tools provided for in the regulation – such as transition measures, investments or the starter pack – to respond effectively to these multiple challenges; the adaptation and transformation of production systems would thus be better organised and would offer farmers visibility as well as economic security throughout the transition process. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13a) LEADER has become one of the most successful instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy for fostering integrated territorial development, local innovation, social inclusion and citizen participation in rural areas. In order to ensure continuity of the bottom-up approach and preserve its European added value, Member States should reserve at least 5 % of the total amount dedicated to rural development set out in Article 10 of regulation [NRPP] for LEADER. To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. Member States should therefore grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13a) Generational renewal is one of the main challenges facing European agriculture, against a backdrop of an ageing farming population and the difficulties encountered by new entrants in terms of access to land, capital and income. A sustainable agricultural policy must support the establishment of young farmers and encourage the transfer of farms in order to ensure the continuity of agricultural production and the vitality of rural areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13a) Mental health challenges affecting farmers and agricultural workers should also be recognised and support under the CAP should contribute to raising awareness and facilitating access to relevant services. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13b) The European Commission is creating a European climate risk in agriculture observatory to collect, analyse and share data on the impacts of climate change on agricultural holdings and to develop common tools for risk forecasting and management. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (13b) The mental health of farmers is a growing concern in several Member States, due in particular to economic problems caused by the European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans for quality schemes and promotion activities, the development of short supply chains, local processing, direct sales, agricultural retail trade, marginal, local and restricted activities and the development of local food markets. These measures should help to increase the added value retained by agricultural holdings, strengthen the resilience of local food systems and develop rural areas. This support should also encompass the development of agricultural production cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives and producer organisations which enable joint investments, the development of processing and storage capacities and the reduction of production costs and which strengthen the position of agricultural producers in the food supply chain, thereby helping to make agricultural holdings more competitive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported which contributes to addressing social challenges and promoting local action groups through strengthening CLLD approaches, which are key in building stronger rural-urban links; It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development which are critical in in promoting attractive, prosperous, resilient and interconnected rural areas by supporting initiatives that generate local added-value, stimulate entrepreneurship, foster innovation and strengthen the economic and social fabric of territories, all of which are essential for retaining and attracting human capital, especially young people and women, contributing to demographic and territorial balance, and generational renewal. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure a stable and sufficient level of support for LEADER, recognising its role in territorial innovation and the empowerment of local actors. Support for LEADER shall be mandatory for all Member States, with a minimum financial allocation of at least 5% of the total amount dedicated to rural development, ensuring continuity and territorial coverage across rural areas. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. Member States should devote particular focus to remote and less-favoured areas affected by population decline and more limited service provision, such as the outermost regions. It should be possible to grant support under the CAP to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. The budget allocated to LEADER should be based on the amounts for the 2021-2027 funding period. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is a place-based local development strategy and properly implemented by Member States and the Local Action Groups. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas, Member States should ensure that LEADER is adequately supported. At least 5% of the total rural development contribution should be ringfenced for LEADER. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental, animal welfare and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. | (14) To foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas Member States should ensure that LEADER is supported. Member States should therefore grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) European agriculture and agri-food production are an integral part of the Union’s cultural heritage, including its intangible heritage. The preservation of traditional raw materials, local varieties and traditional production methods does much to both promote the economic development of rural areas and safeguard European identity. Iconic European culinary specialities such as macarons, cannoli and baklava are notable examples of cultural heritage whose historical origins or cultural identities are connected to cross-border claims or wider cultural disputes involving third countries and traditions from outside the Union. The common agricultural policy should also help to support traditional products, local producers and agri-food supply chains with a view to safeguarding Europe’s culinary heritage and vouchsafing it for future generations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) In structural terms, European agricultural production is based in part on the work of millions of migrant and seasonal workers, whose employment, housing and social protection conditions in many Member States are still unacceptable, with the rate of undeclared or under-declared work estimated at around 32 % in the agricultural sector at Union level. The social conditionality provided for in Annex I Part B to the CAP Regulation must therefore apply in full to these workers and be accompanied by effective control mechanisms applied in coordination with labour inspection services, the social partners, and representative trade union organisations. There is an urgent need to align the social conditionality requirements with the core ILO Conventions, in particular those relating to the freedom of association and collective negotiations; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) Union agriculture and agri-food production are an integral part of Europe's cultural and intangible cultural heritage. The CAP should contribute to the preservation of traditional raw materials, local varieties, indigenous breeds, traditional production methods and agri-food products linked to the historical and cultural identity of the Member States, in particular through quality schemes, short supply chains, local markets and promotional activities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) Considering the importance of farmers’ participation in risk management tools, Member States should be allowed to assign a certain percentage of direct payments to support the farmers’ contributions to such tools |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice8. Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas. | (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice. This tool should be complemented by support for training, skills development and advisory services for farmers and forest holders, including in the area of forestry. Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas. |
| 8 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the European Innovation Partnership ‘Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability’, COM(2012)79 final. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice8. Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas. | (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice8. Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas, with research outcomes being made available to farmers. |
| 8 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability', COM(2012)79 final. | 8 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability', COM(2012)79 final. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice8 . Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas. | (15) In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation, active involvement of farmers, enhancing the exchange of knowledge between actors with a view to spreading solutions ready for practice8 . Synergies between the CAP and the Union Research Framework Programme (FP10), established by Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council, should encourage agriculture to make the best use of research and innovation results, in particular those stemming from projects funded by FP10 and the EIP-AGRI, leading to innovations in the farming and bioeconomy sector and rural areas. |
| 8 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability', COM(2012)79 final. | 8 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability', COM(2012)79 final. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15a) As an element of a diversification strategy it is important to confirm the legality of cultivating, harvesting, processing and commercialization of the entire hemp plant for authorised industrial purposes across the EU in order to provide legal certainty for farmers, processors, regulators and consumers; hemp cultivation requires relatively few inputs, especially fertilisers, plant protection products and water; it also contributes to soil health and biodiversity, offering new economic opportunities, additional income and innovation to rural areas through the provision of raw materials for industrial applications such as textile fibre, and other uses like health, food and feed; a common EU-wide threshold of 0.5% THC for the legal classification of industrial hemp, ensuring harmonisation of national legislations in line with CJEU rulings and international law should be established . |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15a) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, is establishing a European strategy for water in agriculture with the aim of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, adapting to climate change and strengthening the resilience of agricultural production. It shall ensure that at least 20 % of investment resources for agriculture are allocated to water-saving projects and the CAP shall support the construction of water storage projects, subject to compliance with Union environmental legislation. Member States prioritise investments that reduce water losses in existing irrigation networks and increase the efficiency of water use per unit of production. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15a) Given the strategic importance of the agri-food sector for the Union's open strategic autonomy and economic resilience, the EU Competitiveness Fund (ECF) must reflect the sector’s financial and structural weight. In particular, a strong, distinct, and highly visible agricultural dimension should be established within the “Health, Biotech, Agriculture and Bioeconomy” window of the ECF. To prevent the dilution of agricultural priorities among competing sectors, it is necessary to provide dedicated financial envelopes for agriculture within this window and to guarantee effective, simplified access to investment and funding opportunities for farmers and agri-food operators. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15a) The use of innovative technologies such as precision farming, advanced digital tools and data analysis can help improve efficiency in the use of agricultural inputs, reduce the environmental impact of production and boost the competitiveness of the European agricultural sector. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15b) Funding under the common agricultural policy must be reserved for supporting hands-on farming, livestock farmers, farms, the outermost regions (ORs) and rural areas. Such funding should not be used to finance or promote laboratory-grown artificial proteins, including cell-based meat, which do not constitute an appropriate response to the Union’s agricultural, environmental and food challenges and which, conversely, could accelerate the decline of European livestock sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15b) The Commission promotes the use of artificial intelligence applications for improved farm management, risk prediction, plant protection, irrigation and reduced administrative burden. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the "collect once, use multiple times" principle to reduce reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, the EU ID Wallet referred to in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 , and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. | (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the "collect once, use multiple times" principle to reduce reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, the EU ID Wallet referred to in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 , and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. To minimise the administrative burden for farmers, Member States should organise controls in a coordinated manner and ensure that, wherever possible, beneficiaries are subject to no more than one on-the-spot inspection per calendar year in respect of the requirements laid down in this Regulation, without prejudice to controls carried out in cases of suspected fraud or serious non-compliance. |
| 9 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114) ELI : http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj. | 9 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114) ELI : http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the "collect once, use multiple times" principle to reduce reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, the EU ID Wallet referred to in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council9, and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. | (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the ‘collect once, use multiple times’ principle and reduce the number of reporting and control obligations by transitioning to fully digital administrative processes in order to reduce the reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, the EU ID Wallet referred to in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council9, and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. |
| 9 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114) ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj. | 9 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114) ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the "collect once, use multiple times" principle to reduce reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, the EU ID Wallet referred to in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 , and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. | (16) Enhancing interoperability between public agricultural information systems at national level can bring significant benefits, including reduced data collection burden, improved efficiency, and enhanced policy monitoring. In pursuing this aim, Member States should adopt the "collect once, use multiple times" principle to reduce reporting burden. Designating a single authority to coordinate interoperability efforts and investing in unique farm IDs, and data-sharing infrastructure can reduce administrative burden, streamline reporting obligations, and empower farmers within the data value chain, ultimately supporting the goals of the CAP. |
| 9 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114) ELI : http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) During his public hearing before Parliament’s Committee on International Trade of 16 January 2025, Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade, stated the following: ‘We will create a new reserve of at least one billion euros to compensate the European agricultural sector in the event that it is adversely affected by the implementation of the free trade agreement’ between the European Union and Mercosur. By making this public undertaking, the Commission itself has explicitly recognised the reality and predictability of the harms suffered by European farmers as a result of trade liberalisation. In view of this undertaking, a special compensation fund should be put in place, with sustainable financing which is not subsidiary to direct payments, in order to assess and offset the individual and cumulative effects of the successive preferential trade agreements concluded by the Union, and to deal with all the necessary budgetary consequences. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) Personal data collected for the purposes of the application of any provision enshrined in this Regulation should be processed in a way that is compatible with those purposes. They should also be made anonymous when processed for monitoring or evaluation purposes, and be protected in accordance with Union law concerning the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council2a. Data subjects should be informed of such processing and of their data protection rights. | |
| 1a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1). | |
| 2a Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) Administrative requirements for farmers relating to support applications, payment applications, supporting information and documents, and controls should be proportionate to the amount of support concerned and limited to what is strictly necessary to determine eligibility and verify compliance with the applicable conditions. Administrative procedures should be designed in a simple, concise and user-friendly manner, while ensuring the effective protection of the financial interests of the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16a) All administrative procedures of the Common Agricultural Policy shall be fully digitalised by the end of the programming period, with farmers having a single point of access to all services through a digital platform. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16b) The growing number of free trade agreements concluded or being finalised by the Union (in particular with Mexico, South Korea, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Chile, Kenya, Indonesia, Mercosur, India, Australia, and the United States in connection with the ‘Turnberry deal’) exposes European agriculture to competition from third countries which do not comply with the social, sanitary and environmental standards that apply within the Union, thereby creating the conditions for structural dumping which is incompatible with the objectives of this Regulation. These developments encourage the concentration of agricultural structures to the detriment of small and medium-sized family farms and agrienvironmental models, and have the effect of rendering the common agricultural policy contingent upon an approach involving competition with exports, to the detriment of the Union’s food sovereignty. This Regulation should therefore guarantee that the support instruments provided for herein help to preserve diversified and socially sustainable agricultural models aimed at feeding local populations, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular by ensuring fair income for the farming population and guaranteeing security of supply. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (16c) The possible accession of Ukraine to the European Union would pose major challenges in terms of the common agricultural policy due to the scale of its agricultural potential, its utilised agricultural land, its production structures and its budgetary impacts; whereas in the absence of appropriate safeguards, such an accession could affect the balance of the common agricultural policy, place further pressure on farmers’ incomes and on the distribution of support, and also weaken the capacity of this policy to fulfil its objectives; an in-depth assessment of these consequences should therefore be carried out before embarking on any further stage of the enlargement process. |
Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Michalis Hadjipantela, Daniel Buda, Céline Imart, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, Marion Walsmann, Alexander Bernhuber, Maria Walsh, Loucas Fourlas, Peter Agius
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) Whereas, pursuant to Protocol No 10 on Cyprus to the 2003 Act of Accession, the application of the Union acquis is suspended in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control; whereas, for decades, citizens of the Republic of Cyprus holding property titles legally recognised under the law of the Republic of Cyprus have been prevented from accessing, using and deriving income from their agricultural land, as a result of the ongoing occupation of Türkiye; whereas this situation has given rise to lasting socio-economic disadvantages, including reduced opportunities for agricultural related income as well as intergenerational economic loss; whereas nothing in this Regulation shall be construed as implying recognition of, or conferring any right or benefit upon, any authority, entity or person exercising effective control in those areas, nor as modifying the scope of Union law as determined by Protocol No 10 on Cyprus to the 2003 Act of Accession; the Commission is invited to consider, the establishment of additional, specific and targeted financial mechanisms, to address the disadvantages arising from the above situation, for lawful owners who can demonstrate lawful title and the objective impossibility to access and use that land. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) The Commission is establishing a European farm resilience index, which assesses the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Common Agricultural Policy interventions. At the same time, it is creating a European agricultural cost observatory to monitor the development of the costs of energy, fertilisers, feed, fuel, water and other key inputs, publishing quarterly reports by Member State. Finally, the Commission reports annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the situation of the Union's food security, the self-sufficiency of basic products, strategic risks and the resilience of European agriculture. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17b) The agricultural economy of the smaller Aegean islands is characterised by fragmented production, limited economies of scale and significant inter-island transport costs, which further increase the cost of agricultural inputs and the marketing of local products. Support measures should therefore take account of these specific territorial characteristics in order to improve the competitiveness, resilience and economic sustainability of island agriculture. Such measures are indispensable to maintaining agricultural activity, ensuring the supply of safe and quality food, preserving traditional products and production methods, preventing land abandonment and depopulation, and reinforcing the resilience and strategic importance of the smaller Aegean islands for the Union's food security and territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (18a) Member States producing cotton shall support investments promoting sustainable cotton cultivation through precision agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, integrated pest management, improved seed varieties and low-carbon production methods, while safeguarding the competitiveness of the Union cotton sector and maintaining strategic textile value chains within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (19a) Certain human, animal and environmental diseases are ‘ecological diseases’, or in other words adverse health effects directly attributable not to individual choices by farmers, but to a model of intensive agriculture in which these farmers have been structurally trapped by decades of a common agricultural policy which, through its support mechanisms, pushed production choices towards the widespread use of synthetic inputs. Farmers are the first victims of this model and at the frontline of its sanitary consequences, as are ecosystems, local residents and consumers. Rather than farmers or public health policy alone, it is therefore the common agricultural policy, which has helped to shape this model, that must shoulder the responsibility for transforming it and addressing its sanitary impacts. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20a) Income support for farmers should continue to be an essential policy instrument to guarantee a fair income to farmers. It contributes to fostering a competitive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector pursuing the benefits of high-quality production and resource-efficiency, which ensures generational renewal and thus long- term food security and agricultural sovereignty. CAP support should be focused on active farmers defined in compliance with WTO rules. With a view to further improve the performance of the CAP, area-based income support should be targeted towards farmers who exercise a minimum productive agricultural activity while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part time farmers in accordance with criteria established by Member States. Income support may be targeted to the farmers in areas with natural constraints, women, young farmers and new farmers. At the same time, rural economic development, ensuring infrastructure improvements and digital transformation that eliminate regional disparities, benefits the attractiveness of rural areas, social inclusion and enhanced employment opportunities in rural areas. |
Income support remains a key instrument to ensure the economic viability, resilience and competitiveness of the Union agricultural sector and to contribute to long-term food security and agricultural sovereignty. The definition of farmers eligible for support should remain sufficiently flexible to reflect the diversity of agricultural structures and production models across Member States. The reference to “principal activity” should therefore be replaced by a more operational approach based on the exercise of a minimum productive agricultural activity, while allowing Member States to define appropriate criteria in line with their national conditions and existing administrative systems. Such an approach should not exclude pluri-active or part-time farmers, who continue to play an important role in maintaining agricultural activity and rural vitality in many regions of the Union. In addition, cooperatives, producer organisations and associations of producer organisations play an essential role in strengthening farmers’ position in the food supply chain, aggregating production, processing agricultural products and supporting investments and innovation. The CAP framework should therefore allow the use of the broader concept of “beneficiary” where relevant for the implementation of CAP interventions.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20b) For defining a farmer/beneficiary in the context of the CAP in a clear, simple and operational manner, the criteria to be established by Member States may include the share of agricultural income within the total income, labour inputs on the farm, company object and inclusion of their agricultural activities in national or regional registers. Member States should be allowed to use additional criteria, as well as negative lists to identify those applicants who do not meet the definition of ‘farmer/beneficiary’. |
- "defining the concept of principal activity should" replaced by "to be established by Member States may"
Recital 45 in the NRPP proposal should be amended in such a way as to allow Member States to choose the criteria to define the farmer/beneficiary in a clear, simple and operational manner while keeping the possibility to add additional ones and include a negative list. This should take into account their national conditions and existing systems while protecting the functioning of the internal market.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20b) For defining a farmer/beneficiary in the context of the CAP in a clear, simple and operational manner, the criteria to be established by Member States may include the share of agricultural income within the total income, labour inputs on the farm, company object and inclusion of their agricultural activities in national or regional registers. Member States should be allowed to use additional criteria, as well as negative lists to identify those applicants who do not meet the definition of ‘farmer/beneficiary’. |
Recital 45 in the NRPP proposal should be amended in such a way as to allow Member States to choose the criteria to define the farmer/beneficiary in a clear, simple and operational manner while keeping the possibility to add additional ones and include a negative list. This should take into account their national conditions and existing systems while protecting the functioning of the internal market.
In amending recital 45 and the definition, the concept of “principal activity” should be removed, instead referring to “natural or legal persons or groups of natural or legal persons exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity on their holding(s)” while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria established by Member States.
We also propose the deletion of the reference to “small” legal person since the size of the entity should not be relevant for the eligibility for support.
Besides individual farmers, cooperatives, Producer Organisations (POs) and Associations of Producer Organisations (APOs) play an important role in the implementation of several CAP interventions (e.g. interventions in certain sectors, investments, etc.). In this case, the definition governing the CAP interventions should reflect the activities of these structures (aggregating and marketing members’ production, providing inputs, processing agricultural products etc.). Consequently, it should be possible to use the concept of “beneficiary” in this specific case as is currently the case.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Subject matter | Subject matter and definitions |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a common agricultural policy whose main objective is food sovereignty and the strategic autonomy of Europe as well as effective support for producers and the economic vitality of the regions, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP), in accordance with the general objective defined in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Union support shall also help to strengthen the European preference in relation to agricultural production and food supply. It shall guarantee that Union producers are not exposed to unfair competition as a result of imports which do not comply with equivalent environmental, sanitary, social and animal welfare standards. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, and to contribute towards the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 and intermediate climate targets, environmental and biodiversity protection and animal welfare in line with One Health and a thriving sustainable bioeconomy, and that ensures farming remains a viable and attractive economic activity, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, while preserving the autonomous nature of the CAP, its dedicated agricultural budget and sector-specific governance, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, while ensuring that the financial resources allocated under this Regulation remain fully dedicated to farmers in the current Member States throughout the 2028–2034 programming period, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
The Common Agricultural Policy should retain its autonomous character, dedicated budget and sector-specific governance in order to ensure policy coherence, legal certainty and predictability for farmers. The specific nature of agriculture requires tailor-made instruments responding to the particular needs of the agricultural sector. The financial stability and predictability of the Common Agricultural Policy should be preserved throughout the programming period. Future enlargements should not reduce the support available to farmers in the current Member States.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP], which should ensure support in all 27 Member States so that the common agricultural policy achieves its aim in relation to agricultural resilience and food security. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a future-proof, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security and food safety, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, whilst protecting our soils, water, biodiversity, public health and animal health and welfare, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, competitive, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, to strengthen Union food security and income stability, to support generational renewal, and to directly address agriculture, agricultural holdings and rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, guaranteeing Union food security, the competitiveness of the European agri-food sector, generational renewal and development of rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, competitive, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP), in a manner that maintains economic viability for farmers and reduce administrative complexity in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP |
To reinforce the importance of competitiveness and economic viability alongside sustainability objectives, while ensuring proportional implementation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal, efforts to combat the climate and biodiversity crisis, animal welfare and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal, responsible enironmental and animal welfare principles, and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Cristina Maestre, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Marko Vešligaj, Elena Sancho Murillo, Maria Noichl, Camilla Laureti, Heléne Fritzon
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable, fair and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal, fair working and employemnt conditions and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food sovereignty, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2 of this regulation and in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security and agricultural sovereignity, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal, vibrant rural areas and a thriving bioeconomcy, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, competitive, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food sovereignty, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas and a thriving bioeconomy, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | In order to ensure a strong, sustainable and resilient common agricultural policy, Union food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural areas, this Regulation lays down specific conditions for the implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP), without prejudice to the specific measures set out in Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a (new) | |
| Definitions | |
| 1.Farmer means a natural or legal person or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, managing a holding as defined in paragraph 2 of this article and whose principal activity is agricultural activity, including the propagation, cultivation and marketing of nursery stock, reproductive plant material, ornamental plants, fruit trees, vines, forest reproductive material and other live plants intended for planting or transplantation, defined by Member States in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article. Member States may decide that natural or legal persons, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, managing a holding as defined in paragraph 2 of this article, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, are deemed to be farmers provided they engage in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity to be determined by the Member States in their CAP Plan. | |
| 2. ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| 2a. ‘nursery stock' means permanent crops, reproductive plant material, ornamental plants in movable or fixed containers, including pots, trays, bags or similar cultivation systems, fruit trees, vines, horticultural or forest reproductive material and other live plants intended for planting, transplantation or propagation, including seedlings, saplings, rootstocks, grafted plants, vines, and other young plants; | |
| 3. ‘agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: (i) production of agricultural products, which consists of all activities aimed at obtaining those products; where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice; Member States shall establish the duration of “short rotation” of coppice taking in account national farming practices; (ii) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aiming at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation; where duly justified for animal welfare or environmental reasons, extensive grazing of an agricultural area that does not result in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers concerned may also be considered ‘maintenance’. | |
| 3a. A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including nursery production and propagation activities, public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors; | |
| 4. ‘agricultural area’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only land which is used for agricultural activities, including when it forms agroforestry systems and land on which crops are grown using pots.. | |
| 5. ‘eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: (i) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed under the farmer’s control in terms of management, benefits and financial risks. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant. (ii) areas for which support is provided under Article 35(1) points (a) and (g) [degressive income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives (iii) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features, not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel | |
| 6. ‘young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: (i) an upper age limit set between 35 years and 40 years; (ii) being ‘head of the holding’. Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. | |
| 7. ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| 8. ‘public expenditure’ for the purposes of the CAP, means any contribution to the financing of operations the source of which is the budget of the national, regional and local public authorities, the budget of the Union made available to the Fund, the budget of public law bodies or the budget of associations of public authorities or public law bodies; | |
| 9. ‘support rate’ for the purposes of the CAP, means the rate of public expenditure to an operation; in the context of financial instruments it refers to the gross grant equivalent of the support as defined in Article 2, point (20) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 702/2014; | |
| 10. ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 202X/XXXX [CAP Regulation]. |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)). These amendments will allow the CAP greater autonomy, particularly in view of any future amendments to the Plan, thereby ensuring a more streamlined process.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply. | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the Union and whose principal activity is agriculture, as defined by Member States in the CAP-related chapter of their national reform programme (NRP) plans referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation, in accordance with the criteria set out in this Regulation; or | |
| (ii) natural person or ‘small legal person’, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States; | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors; | |
| (3) The notion of ‘active farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to encompass primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holdings and who are responsible for its management as well as the agricultural risks. Farmers whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity as defined by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well; | |
| (4) An ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers or other beneficiaries under area- and livestock-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5 [Types of support], points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of this Regulation; | |
| (5) A ‘new farmer’ means: a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time, irrespective of the legal form of the agricultural holding; | |
| (6) ‘Organic farming’ means: an organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; | |
| (7) A ‘holding’ means: all the units used for agricultural activities, managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, and within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as laid down in Article 52 TEU and Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (8) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means: all flows of organisational capital and knowledge between persons, organisations and institutions which use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (9) The ‘smaller Aegean islands’ means: any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘Extensification of animal production systems’ shall mean the adoption of livestock management systems leading to a reduction in livestock density and an increase in the space available per animal, including, where permitted by agroclimatic conditions, effective and easier access to external areas and/or grazing land, and bringing about demonstrable and lasting improvements to animal health and welfare and the expression of species-specific natural behaviours. Extensification shall involve structural or management changes affecting the production system as a whole, in particular a substantial increase in the use of grazing land or animal feed produced locally and reduced dependency on feedingstuffs from external sources. Extensification shall be verified on the basis of objective, measurable and verifiable criteria, including indicators based on both natural resources and animals. Marginal, temporary or purely administrative reductions in stocking density or measures which do not bring about a demonstrable and lasting improvement in animal health and welfare shall not be considered extensification. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The implementation of Union support under this Regulation shall mainly contribute to the objectives of the common agricultural policy set out in Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, namely increasing agricultural productivity to ensure food sovereignty by promoting technical progress and ensuring the rational development of agricultural production and the optimum utilisation of the factors of production, in particular labour; ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, in particular by increasing the individual earnings of persons engaged in agriculture; stabilising markets; assuring the availability of supplies; and ensuring that supplies reach consumers at reasonable prices. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘Farmer’ means: a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, who has a holding as defined in Article 4(16) of NRPP regulation, and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by Member States in accordance with Article 2b(3) of this Regulation. |
Article 1a (new) (former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16))Desire to revert to the definition of a farmer used under the current programming period (Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115).Desire to allow the definition of a farmer to include groups of natural and legal persons, so that jointly managed holdings (particularly in the context of inherited estates held in joint ownership) can remain eligible as CAP beneficiaries. It is also important to maintain a broad, non-restrictive definition of the general concept of a farmer in order to simplify controls. This definition may be distinct from that of an active farmer, whose use could be limited to specific CAP interventions. Deletion of the concept of "main activity", as the Commission's proposal, which is based on this concept, would exclude from the definition of a farmer producers who genuinely carry out agricultural activities (albeit on a part-time or partial basis)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may decide the criteria for determining the principal activities referred to in points (i) and/or (ii). |
Former NRP Article 4(3)(c), agreed to be transferred. Amendments compared to the transferred text: add new subparagraph “Member States may decide the criteria for determining the principal activities referred to in points (i) and/or (ii)."
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| An 'active farmer' shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. | |
| In order to qualify as an 'active farmer', a natural or a legal person shall: | |
| (i) effectively exercise an agricultural activity with a genuine and direct participation in farm work, The entire management and agricultural work of their farm must not be delegated to a third-party company; | |
| (ii) not receive, from non-agricultural activities, revenues exceeding a threshold set by the Member State | |
| (iii) not have reached the statutory retirement age entitling to a full pension under national law, subject to a transitional period of up to two years from the start of the new programming period. Where the farmer operates through a legal person, that legal person shall be deemed to be an 'active farmer' only where the majority of its share capital (> 51 %) and voting rights (> 65 %) are held by active farmers as natural persons working in the holding, and where that legal person declares, for the purposes of this Regulation, only one legal person per natural person, so as to prevent artificial legal arrangements. | |
| Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. |
Article 1a (new) (former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)). Major changes except on small farmers.The current definition of an “active farmer” is not precise enough to prevent windfall effects resulting from the mere ownership of land or capital. Complex corporate structures allow entities whose primary activity is not agricultural to receive substantial CAP subsidies.This will help reduce windfall gains and the appropriation of funds by entities such as the royal family of the United Arab Emirates.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer, who is head or co head of the holding for the first time and whose age does not exceed by less than ten years the statutory retirement age at which full pension entitlement is acquired in the Member State concerned. |
Article 1a (new) (former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)). Add of the term "co head" and of the retirement age.The Common Agricultural Policy should support the establishment of new entrants into farming regardless of whether they qualify as young farmers. Access to farming often occurs later in life due to difficulties in accessing land, capital, training and agricultural assets. At the same time, support for new farmers should contribute effectively to generational renewal and the long-term viability of agricultural holdings. Granting installation aid to persons who are approaching retirement age would reduce the effectiveness of public expenditure in achieving these objectives and could limit opportunities for future generations of farmers. A maximum age threshold corresponding to ten years before the statutory retirement age at which full pension entitlement is acquired should therefore be introduced. This approach ensures that support remains focused on farmers with a sufficient professional horizon to develop their holdings, contribute to rural vitality and strengthen generational renewal, while allowing Member States to take account of differences in national pension systems.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. ‘agricultural area’ shall be determined so as to include arable land, permanent crops and permanent grassland, including where they form agroforestry systems on that area and pastoralism. The terms ‘arable land’, ‘permanent crops’ and ‘permanent grassland’ shall be further defined by Member States within the following framework: | |
| (i) ‘arable land’ means land cultivated for crop production or land available for crop production but lying fallow; | |
| (ii) ‘permanent crops’ means crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that are not part of a crop rotation, occupy the land for five years or more and yield repeated harvests, including nurseries and short rotation coppice; | |
| (iii) ‘permanent grassland’ and ‘permanent pasture’ (hereinafter jointly referred to as ‘permanent grassland’) means land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage, whether natural or sown, and also where grasses and other herbaceous forage do not predominate or are absent, which has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for at least ten years. For the purposes of this Regulation, grassland shall be classified according to its duration, as follows: — temporary grassland, meaning grassland that has been established for less than five years; — long-rotation grassland, meaning grassland that has been established for a period of five to ten years; — permanent grassland, meaning grassland that has been established for more than ten years. Other species suitable for grazing and other species suitable for animal feed production, such as shrubs or trees, may also be present. | |
| Member States may also decide to consider as permanent grassland areas covered by any of the species referred to in this point where grasses and other herbaceous forage do not predominate or are absent. |
Article 1b (new) (former NRP Art. 4 point 22). Major changes.Union legislation should provide a clear and harmonised definition of agricultural area, in particular as regards grassland, as this land category is subject to specific obligations, safeguards and support schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy and therefore requires a shared understanding across Member States. This definition should also fully recognise pastoral areas and extensive grazing systems, including areas where grasses and other herbaceous forage do not predominate or are absent, but where shrubs, trees or other species suitable for grazing or animal feed production are present. Such areas have a real feed value and are essential to the autonomy of pastoral livestock farming, particularly in mountain, Mediterranean and other extensive farming systems. They contribute directly to animal nutrition through grazing and browsing resources that are adapted to local ecosystems and seasonal conditions. They also deliver important environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation, fire prevention, landscape maintenance and the sustainable use of marginal land.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| “Eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: (iii) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant. | |
| (iii) areas for which support is provided under Article 35(1) points (a) and (g) [degressive income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives; | |
| (iii) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features, not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel.” | |
| As regards permanent grassland with scattered ineligible features, Member States may decide to apply fixed reduction coefficients to determine the area considered eligible; | |
| The Farmer is deemed to have the land at his disposal, unless another farmer claims the same plot, the landowner informs the paying agency that they do not authorise the farmer to use their land, or the paying agency has doubts as to whether the farmer is entitled to farm that plot. |
Add of As regards permanent grassland with scattered ineligible features, Member States may decide to apply fixed reduction coefficients to determine the area considered eligible; The Farmer is deemed to have the land at his disposal, unless another farmer claims the same plot, the landowner informs the paying agency that they do not authorise the farmer to use their land, or the paying agency has doubts as to whether the farmer is entitled to farm that plot.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 'young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: | |
| (a) an upper age limit of 40 years; | |
| (b) being ‘head or cohead of the holding’. | |
| Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with the rules governing that Fund laid down in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with Regulation (EU) …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with the rules governing that Fund laid down in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | This Union support for the CAP shall be implemented in accordance with this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with the rules governing that Fund laid down in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with the objectives established in Articles 39 and 43 TFEU. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| This Union support shall be provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund (the ‘Fund’) in accordance with the rules governing that Fund laid down in Regulation (EU) […] [NRP]. | This Union support shall be provided under CAP Fund (the ‘Fund’), on the basis of CAP Plans, in accordance with the rules governing the Fund laid down in this Regulation . |
The CAP shall remain a selfstanding policy with an autonomous budget. The CAP shall not be reduced to a chapter in NRP Plans, but remain subject of CAP Plans to be drawn up by Member States (where relevant with their regions). The change from NRP to CAP shall apply throughout the text.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a (new) | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: (i) a natural or legal person whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; or (ii) natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States. | |
| (2) ‘An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. ‘ | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of that Regulation. | |
| (3a) ‘beneficiary ’ means a farmers, producer organisations, cooperative and other natural or legal persons carrying out eligible agricultural activities, including nursery production and propagation activities; | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1]; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. [1] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)) - only addition is para 3a.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) a natural or legal person or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation. |
Former NRP Article 4(3)(c)(i), agreed to be transferred. Amendments compared to the transferred text: point (i) added "or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law,"
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) natural person or small legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, including part-time farmers, whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States. |
Former NRP Article 4(3)(c)(ii), agreed to be transferred. Amendments compared to the transferred text: point (ii) added "or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, including part-time farmers, whose holding is situated in the Union and"
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features and other elements, such as solar panels, not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features and other elements do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel |
(former NRP Art. 4(22)(e)(iii): Amendments compared to the transferred text: added as a Article 1b (new(c)) "and other elements, such as solar panels" and "and other activities".
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When determining how to implement Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2(c) of Regulation (EU) [...] [NRP], the Member States may choose whether to provide details of CAP allocations in an NRP Plan as referred to under Title III of the NRP Regulation, or in separate National and Regional CAP Plans (NRCAP Plans), in accordance with the rules governing the Fund laid down in Regulation (EU) XXX (NRP) and the rules of this Regulation. In the event that Member States develop and present NRCAP Plans, the Commission shall evaluate and approve them separately from the NRP Plans presented by said Member States. Both types shall hereinafter be referred to as NRCAP Plans. Once a year, Member States may submit to the Commission a request to amend an NRCAP Plan with regard to economic developments in individual sectors and unforeseen challenges, containing proposals to adjust the amount of funding allocated to the interventions referred to in Article 5, and also certain arrangements regarding allocations. The Member State shall specify the anticipated impact of these amendments on achievement of the objectives set out in Article 2. The Commission shall assess whether the amended NRCAP Plan complies with this Regulation, and may submit observations no later than two months after the date of submission of the amended NRP Plan. Amendments shall be deemed to comply with this Regulation on a de facto basis if they are minor or do not result in changes to the allocation of budgetary amounts between the interventions referred to in Article 5. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When determining who is an ‘active farmer’, Member States shall apply objective and non-discriminatory criteria, such as criteria based on income, labour inputs on the farm, company object and inclusion of agricultural activities in national or regional registers. Such criteria may be implemented in one or more forms chosen by Member States, including through a negative list disqualifying certain farmers from being considered active farmers. If a Member State grants the status of ‘active farmer’ to those farmers who did not receive direct payments exceeding a certain amount for the previous year, such an amount shall not be higher than EUR 5 000. Member States may decide to exclude applicants who have reached the retirement age set by national law and who draw a pension. | |
| The interventions listed in Article 5(1), points (a), (b), (d), (g) and (h), shall only be granted to active farmers. Member States may decide to extend this requirement to other interventions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| When establishing their implementation of the Union support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) in accordance with the general objective laid down in Article 2, point (c), of Regulation (EU) […] [NRP], Member States may choose to define either a CAP chapter of their NRP plans as referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation or separate National and Regional CAP plans (NRCAP Plans) in accordance to the rules governing the Fund laid down in the Regulation (EU) XXX (NRP) and to the rules of this Regulation. | |
| When NRCAP plans are defined and presented by Member States, the Commission shall assess them and validate them independently of the NRP plans presented by these Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Paragraph 5 of Article 1b (new) (formerly Article 4, point 22 of the NRP) is replaced with the following text: | |
| 5. ‘young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: | |
| (a) an upper age limit set between 35 years and 45 years; | |
| (b) ‘head of holding’ status. Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the time of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the eligibility period set under the relevant support scheme, regardless of whether the farmer subsequently exceeds the upper age limit. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply. (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the Union and whose principal activity is agriculture, as defined by Member States in their NRCAP Plans, in accordance with the criteria set out in this Regulation; | |
| or (ii) natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The term ‘new farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer who is ‘head of the holding’ for the first time, and who has completed the appropriate training or acquired the skills required, as determined by Member States. In the case of legal persons, at least one natural person must fulfil the criteria which apply to new farmers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: | |
| (i) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed under the farmer’s control in terms of management, benefits and financial risks. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant. | |
| (iii) areas for which support is provided under Article 35(1), points (a) and (g) [income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives; | |
| (ii) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel. In the case of agricultural areas incorporating scattered ineligible features, Member States may decide to apply fixed reduction coefficients to determine the area considered eligible; | |
| the farmer shall be deemed to dispose of the parcel unless another farmer claims the same parcel, the land owner informs the paying body that he or she does not authorise the farmer to use his or her parcel, or the paying body has concerns regarding the farmer’s right to use this parcel. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The notion of a ‘young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to encompass all legal or natural persons who fall within the definition of a ‘farmer’ set out in Article 2a(1) and who fulfil at least the following conditions: | |
| (a) an upper age limit set between 35 years and 40 years; | |
| (b) the conditions required to be regarded as ‘head of the holding’; | |
| (c) the appropriate skills or training required, as determined by Member States. | |
| Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of a ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. | |
| In the case of legal persons, at least one natural person must meet the criteria which apply to young farmers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| 1. ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons – regardless of the legal status of the group or members thereof under national law – which manages an agricultural holding pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article and whose main activity is an agricultural activity as determined by the Member States pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article. Member States may decide that natural or legal persons, or a group of natural or legal persons – regardless of the legal status of the group or members thereof under national law – which manages an agricultural holding pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article and whose main activity is not an agricultural activity may be classified as farmers provided that they carry out at least the minimum agricultural activity as determined by the Member States in their CAP plans; 2. ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; 3. ‘agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: (i) the production of agricultural products, which consists of all activities aimed at obtaining those products, where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice; (ii) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aimed at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation; where duly justified for animal welfare or environmental reasons, extensive grazing of an agricultural area that does not result in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers concerned may also be considered ‘maintenance’; 4. ‘agricultural area’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only land which is used for agricultural activities, including when it forms agroforestry systems; 5. ‘eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: (i) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed under the farmer’s controls in terms of management, benefits and financial risks. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant; (ii) areas for which support is provided under Article 5(1), points (a) and (g) [degressive income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2 [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme] of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed owing to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives; (iii) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii) provided that they do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel; 6. ‘young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: (i) an upper age limit of between 35 and 40 years; (ii) being ‘head of the holding’. Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit; 7. ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time; 8. ‘public expenditure’, for the purposes of the CAP, means any contribution to the financing of operations the source of which is the budget of national, regional or local public authorities, the budget of the Union made available to the Fund, the budget of public law bodies or the budget of associations of public authorities or of public law bodies; 9. ‘support rate’, for the purposes of the CAP, means the rate of public expenditure to an operation; in the context of financial instruments it refers to the gross grant equivalent of the support as defined in Article 2, point (20), of Commission Regulation (EU) No 702/2014; 10. ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information System’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation. |
In order to ensure that the CAP – including the decision-making process – is implemented more effectively, the relevant definitions for the CAP should be included in this Regulation. This would provide greater autonomy for the CAP, not least if the Plan were to be amended, and would ultimately speed up the whole process.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (-1) 'farmer' (...) | |
| (1) ‘active farmer’ (...) | |
| *(1a) (new) ‘food security’ means the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, and whereby food and feed placed on the market are not injurious to human or animal health and are protected from biological, chemical and physical threats throughout the food chain, while taking into account impacts on ecosystems, water and soil and climate-related risks, in line with the latest scientific evidence, including the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA).* | |
| Ref: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X19300046 | |
| (1b) (new) ‘extensification’ means a transition in agricultural management towards reduced livestock pressure and greater reliance on grazing and on-farm forage, aligning livestock numbers with the carrying capacity of the holder’s forage areas, and reducing external inputs such as feed and antimicrobial use, by ensuring that stocking density moves towards below 2.0 LSU per hectare and that nutrient load and cycling is in line with Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) and the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).* | |
| (2) ‘operation’ (...) | |
| (3) ‘new farmer’ (...) | |
| (4) ‘organic farming’ (...) | |
| *(4a) (new) ‘resilient production system’ means a farm management approach that maintains or enhances ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and soil and water quality under environmental , economic and social stress and shocks, through crop-diversification, low-input practices and adaptive agroecological management. | |
| ref: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X19300046 | |
| (4b) (new) ‘agroecology’ means a systemic approach to agri-food management and transitions, encompassing a set of practices grounded in science and the territorial application of FAO’s 10 elements1b and 13 principles agreed by the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrion1cof the Committee on World Food Security. Agroecology redesigns interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while substituting harmful inputs with ecological friendly/ biological alternatives and taking into consideration the social aspects required for a sustainable and fair food system. It enhances resource efficiency as well as habitat restoration, pollinator resources, animal welfare and diverse, locally adapted species, soil health, extensive livestock and local feed autonomy, plant-based protein, nutrients and fibre production based on diversified farming systems, farmers’ autonomy, short supply chains and fair livelihoods, thereby contributing to food security and sovereignty, climate resilience, rural development, and sustainable management of natural resources. | |
| (4c) (new) ‘LEADER’ means community-led local development referred to in Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060; | |
| (4d) (new) ‘agroforestry’ means a land-use approach integrating trees and shrubs with agricultural crops and/or livestock on the same land with the aim to enhance biodiversity, soil health, carbon capture and climate resilience, while diversifying farm production, strengthening rural livelihoods and social benefits, and reducing dependency on external inputs including pesticides.* | |
| (4a) ‘holding’ (...) | |
| *(4a a ) (new) ‘landscape feature’ means elements such as ponds, hedgerows, individual trees or trees in a line, wetland or other semi-natural habitat fragments, wildflower strips or buffers, stone walls, terraces, etc. They may not necessarily be crop or pasture land but contribute to productivity of the whole farm or landscape by stabilizing land, reducing soil erosion, increasing infiltration, attenuating flooding or regulating drainage or hydrology, providing shade for livestock, providing habitats for pollinators, natural enemies of pests and other benficial organisms, and ecologcial connectivity between their habitats. They contribute to the resilience of the agro-ecosystem and are integral, essential parts of it and protect the factors of production. | |
| The definition shall also apply to include additions or extensions to exisiting landscape features, to ensure that land contributing to resilience and productivity and having a wider agricultural and agronomic use retains its eligibility for basic payments. Landscape features shall be retained for their social and ecological/agronomic value. They may also be subject to additional payments, for example for their maintenance, upkeep or, in the case of new ones, their re/creation. * | |
| (5) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ (...) | |
| (6) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ (...) | |
| 1b Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2019). The Ten Elements of Agroecology (CA7173). Approved by the 163rd Session of the FAO Council, Rome, 2–6 December 2019. | |
| 1c United Nations’s High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE). (2019). Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). Rome: FAO |
(Text *additions* to articles transferred from NRP between asterisks *xzy* and "(new)"; where no change cf. NRP = (...))
Some definitions were added to the ones moved from the NRPP draft regulation, namely: 'Food security'; 'Extensification', which is used 'agricultural activity' not defined; 'operation'; 'Resilient production system’ which is used in many of the incentive payments above the baseline; 'agroecology' as this is a production system answering all the environmental and social objectives of this regulation; 'Landscape features' as these have been paid with basic area based payments as normal agricultural land since 2003 to disincentivise their removal
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Definitions to be set out in the national reform programme plans | |
| 1. In the CAP-related chapter of their national reform programme plans as referred to in Title III of the Regulation on national reform programmes, Member States shall set out their definitions of the terms ‘agricultural activity’, ‘agricultural area’, ‘eligible hectare’ and ‘young farmer’ in accordance with objective and non-discriminatory criteria and the principle of proportionality, and irrespective of the legal form of any persons concerned. | |
| 2. The definition of ‘agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: | |
| (a) production of agricultural products, which consists of all activities aimed at obtaining those products; where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice and products produced by paludiculture; | |
| (b) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aiming at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation; where duly justified for animal welfare or environmental reasons, extensive grazing of an agricultural area that does not result in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers concerned may also be considered ‘maintenance’. | |
| 3. The definition of ‘agricultural area’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only land which is used for agricultural activities, including when it forms agroforestry systems. | |
| 4. The definition of ‘eligible hectare’ referred to in the first paragraph shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas cultivated by the farmer: | |
| (a) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed under the farmer’s control and, if non-agricultural activities are also performed on those areas, on which that agricultural activity is predominant; | |
| (b) areas for which support is provided under Article 5 points (a) and (g) [income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives. | |
| (c) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features and other features not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in the point, provided that those landscape features and other features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel. | |
| When the agricultural areas incorporate scattered ineligible features, Member States may decide to apply fixed reduction coefficients to determine the area considered eligible; | |
| 5. The definition of ‘young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: | |
| (a) the farmer is 40 years old or younger; | |
| (b) the farmer is the ‘head of the holding’; | |
| (c) the farmer has the appropriate training or skills required, as determined by Member States. Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of a ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. | |
| 6. ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer who is ‘head of the holding’ for the first time. Member States shall include further objective and non-discriminatory requirements concerning appropriate training and skills. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person whose holding is entirely situated in the Union and whose principal activity is an agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States in the CAP chapter of their NRP Plans, as referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation, in accordance with the criteria set out in this Regulation; or | |
| (ii) natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States; diversified economic activities shall not, as such, exclude eligibility. . | |
| (iii) a natural or legal person whose holding is entirely situated in the Union and whose principal activity consists of agricultural activity, including the propagation, cultivation and marketing of nursery stock, reproductive plant material, ornamental plants, fruit trees, vines, forest reproductive material and other live plants intended for planting or transplantation. | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including nursery production and propagation activities, public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors. | |
| (3) ‘An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding. Farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. | |
| (4) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers or other beneficiaries under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5 [Types of support], points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of this Regulation. | |
| (5) ‘new farmer’ means a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time, irrespective of the legal form of the agricultural holding. | |
| (6) ‘organic farming’ means an organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; | |
| (7) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities, managed by a farmer and entirely situated within the territory of the same Member State, and within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as laid down in Article 52 TEU and Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (8) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (9) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. | |
| (10) 'nursery stock' means permanent crops, reproductive plant material, ornamental plants in movable or fixed containers, including pots, trays, bags or similar cultivation systems, fruit trees, vines, horticultural or forest reproductive material and other live plants intended for planting, transplantation or propagation, including seedlings, saplings, rootstocks, grafted plants, vines, and other young plants; | |
| (11) In the case of a cooperative farm, as a legal cooperative, a comparable legal entity or an association of natural persons or legal entities, both the cooperative farm as such and, where applicable, its individual members shall fall within the definitions set out in point (1) points i and ii, point (3) and point (5) provided that members participate on an equal footing in the holding. | |
| 1a Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16) and amended); new text: (1)(i) "entirely" added, (ii) "diversified economic activities shall not, as such, exclude eligibility" added; (2) definition beneficiary in the context of LEADER and "nursery production and propagation activities" added; (5) "irrespective of the legal form of the agricultural holding" added; (7) "entirely" added; points (10) and (11) added in their entirety; linguistic correction added.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 of the Treaty on European Union in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by the Member States in accordance with Regulation (EU) 202/XXXX [CAP Regulation]. | |
| (2) ‘An ‘active farmer’, for the purpose of area and animal related income support, means farmers who exercise a minimum level of agricultural activity, while not necessarily precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers. The notion of minimum level of agricultural activity, shall be determined on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Member States may decide to apply this definition also with respect to other interventions; | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of that Regulation. | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (5)‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation; | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia; | |
| (9) 'agricultural products' means the products listed in Annex I to the Treaty, with the exception of fishery and aquaculture products listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (see Annex I to the Treaty); | |
| (10) 'primary agricultural production' means the production of products of the soil and of stock farming, listed in Annex I to the Treaty, without performing any further operation changing the nature of such products; | |
| (11) 'processing of agricultural products' means any operation on an agricultural product resulting in a product which is also an agricultural product, except on-farm activities necessary for preparing an animal or plant product for first sale; | |
| (12) 'marketing of agricultural product' means holding or displaying with a view to sale, offering for sale, delivery or any other manner of placing on the market, except the first sale by a farmer to resellers or processors and any activity preparing a product for such first sale; a sale by a farmer to final consumers is considered as marketing of agricultural products if it takes place in separate premises or facilities reserved for that purpose; | |
| 1a Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Definitions (See Article 4(3c), (9c), (14), (15), (16), (17) and (23) of the NRP, as amended; for the definition of ‘active farmer’, see President von der Leyen’s letter) | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, whose holding is situated in the Union and who is engaged in a minimum level of productive agricultural activity, which shall not preclude the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers, in accordance with the criteria laid down by the Member States pursuant to this Regulation; | |
| (2) ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to ensure that support is granted only to natural or legal persons, or to groups of natural or legal persons, engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, while not necessarily precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers. | |
| When determining who is an ‘active farmer’, Member States shall apply objective and non-discriminatory criteria, such as income tests, labour inputs on the farm, company object and inclusion of their agricultural activities in national or regional registers. Such criteria may be introduced in one or more forms chosen by Member States, including through a negative list disqualifying a farmer from being considered to be an ‘active farmer’. If a Member State classifies as ‘active farmers’ those farmers who did not receive direct payments exceeding a certain amount for the previous year, such an amount shall not be higher than EUR 5 000; | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means, in the context of the CAP, a payment granted to farmers under area-, animal- and quantity-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p), of this Regulation; | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time; | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means an organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information System’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia; | |
| (9) ‘agriphotovoltaic’ (new) means the simultaneous use of an area of land for the generation of electricity by solar photovoltaic means and agricultural production; | |
| (10) ‘intermediate crops’ (new) means secondary and cover crops grown outside the primary crop cycle or between successive primary crops for the purposes of providing ground cover and/or capturing residual nutrients, but without replacing the main crop. Intermediate crops can be used to produce biofuels as well as for agricultural production. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; or | |
| (ii) natural person or legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States. | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ means: | |
| (i) in the context of the CAP, a farmer who is a natural or legal person or groups of natural and legal persons whose holding is situated in the Union and exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity therein while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; | |
| (ii) areas for which support is provided under article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) 202X/XXXX [CAP Regulation] points (a) and (g) [area-based income support, small farmers] of this Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives. | |
| (3) ‘ An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined by the Member States in such a way as to comprise farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. Farmers carrying out at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States, shall also be considered active farmers.‘ | |
| (4) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of that Regulation. | |
| (5) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (6) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1]; | |
| (7) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (8) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation | |
| (9) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. [1] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16))
The concept of "principal activity" should be removed and replaced by a reference to natural or legal persons, or groups of natural or legal persons, carrying out a minimum level of productive agricultural activity, without excluding pluri-active or part-time farmers, in accordance with criteria established by the Member States.
The amendment also removes any reference to the size of legal entities, as eligibility for CAP support should depend on the exercise of agricultural activity rather than the legal form or size of the applicant.
In addition to individual farmers, cooperatives, Producer Organisations (POs) and Associations of Producer Organisations (APOs) play a key role in implementing CAP interventions, including sectoral interventions, investments, marketing and processing activities. The definition should therefore allow the use of the broader concept of "beneficiary", as under the current CAP framework.
Finally, following the deletion of Article 35(1), the relevant cross-reference should be updated to Article 5 of this Regulation.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| Definitions to be provided in the NRP Plans | |
| 1. Member States shall establish in their NRP Plans, as referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation, the definitions of ‘agricultural activity’, ‘agricultural area’, ‘eligible hectare’, and ‘young farmer’ in accordance with objective and non-discriminatory criteria and the principle of proportionality, | |
| 2. ‘Agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: | |
| (a)production of agricultural products, which consists of all activities aimed at obtaining those products; where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice; | |
| (b) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aiming at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation or the provision of public goods and ecosystem services resulting from the sustainable management of agricultural land, where such activities contribute to the objectives of this Regulation, where duly justified for animal welfare or environmental reasons, extensive grazing of an agricultural area that does not result in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers concerned may also be considered ‘maintenance’. | |
| 3. ‘Agricultural area’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only land which is used for agricultural activities, including when it forms agroforestry systems. | |
| 4. ‘Eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: (a) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed under the farmer’s control in terms of management, benefits and financial risks. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant. (b) areas for which support is provided under Article 5(1) points (a) and (g) [degressive income support, small farmers] of the that Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives (c) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features, not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel | |
| 5. ‘Young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: (a) an upper age limit set between 35 years and 40 years; (b) being ‘head of the holding’. Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the moment offirst access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. |
Article 1b (new) (former NRP Art. 4 point 22); addition of the "provision of public goods" in the definition of agricultural activity
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) 'Farmer' means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 of the Treaty on European Union in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by the Member States in accordance with this Regulation; | |
| (2) 'Active farmer', for the purpose of area and animal related income support, means farmers who exercise a minimum level of agricultural activity, while not necessarily precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers. The notion of minimum level of agricultural activity, shall be determined on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Member States may decide to apply this definition also with respect to other interventions; | |
| (3)'Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System# or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (4) 'organic farming' means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council; | |
| (5) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia; | |
| (6) 'agricultural products' means the products listed in Annex I to the Treaty, with the exception of fishery and aquaculture products listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (see Annex I to the Treaty); | |
| (7) 'primary agricultural production' means the production of products of the soil and of stock farming, listed in Annex I to the Treaty, without performing any further operation changing the nature of such products; | |
| (8) 'processing of agricultural products' means any operation on an agricultural product resulting in a product which is also an agricultural product, except on-farm activities necessary for preparing an animal or plant product for first sale; | |
| (9) 'marketing of agricultural products' means holding or displaying with a view to sale, offering for sale, delivery or any other manner of placing on the market, except the first sale by a farmer to resellers or processors and any activity preparing a product for such first sale; a sale by a farmer to final consumers is considered as marketing of agricultural products if it takes place in separate premises or facilities reserved for that purpose; | |
| (10) 'holding' means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU. |
The provision should refer to areas instead of production. Similar provision is set out in Regulation 2021/2115 on CAP strategic plans.
Dario Nardella, André Franqueira Rodrigues, Eric Sargiacomo, Stefano Bonaccini, Claire Fita, Camilla Laureti
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions to be provided in the NRP Plans | |
| 1. Member States shall establish in their NRP Plans, as referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation, the definitions of ‘agricultural activity’, ‘agricultural area’, ‘eligible hectare’, and ‘young farmer’ in accordance with objective and non-discriminatory criteria and the principle of proportionality and in line with this Regulation. | |
| 2. ‘Agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: | |
| (a) production of agricultural products, which consists of all activities aimed at obtaining those products; where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice; | |
| (b) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aiming at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation; where duly justified for animal welfare or environmental reasons, or the provision of ecosystem services, extensive grazing of an agricultural area that does not result in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers concerned may also be considered ‘maintenance’. | |
| 3. ‘Agricultural area’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only land which is used for agricultural activities, including when it forms agroforestry systems. | |
| 4. ‘Eligible hectare’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise only areas which are at the farmers’ disposal and which comprise: | |
| (a) agricultural areas on which an agricultural activity is performed. If non-agricultural activities are also performed on these areas, the agricultural activity shall be predominant; | |
| (b) areas for which support is provided under Article 5(1) points (a) and (g) [degressive income support, small farmers] of that Regulation, or under the basic income support for sustainability under Title III, Chapter II, Section 2, Subsection 2, [BISS [all incl. entitlements], small farmers scheme], of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, where agricultural activity is not performed due to commitments and obligations arising from Union or national interventions or other programmes which contribute to the environmental and climate-related CAP specific objectives; | |
| (c) Member States may decide to include in the notion of ‘eligible hectare’ landscape features, not covered by the commitments and schemes referred to in point (ii), provided that these landscape features do not significantly hamper the performance of agricultural activity and are not predominant on the agricultural parcel. | |
| 5. ‘Young farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to fulfil at least the following conditions: | |
| (a) an upper age limit set at 40 years; | |
| (b) being ‘head of the holding’. | |
| Where a farmer is deemed to fall within the definition of ‘young farmer’ at the moment of first access to support, that status shall be maintained for the full duration of the period of eligibility established under the relevant support scheme, irrespective of the farmer subsequently exceeding the upper age limit. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) ‘farmer’ means: (i) a natural or legal person whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is an agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States in the CAP chapter of their national rural development programme plans, as referred to in Title III of the Regulation on the national rural development programme plans, in accordance with the criteria set out in this Regulation; or (ii) a natural person or small legal person whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States; | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors; | |
| (3) An ‘active farmer’ shall be defined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding. Farmers whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well; | |
| (4) ‘operation’ means: a payment granted to farmers or other beneficiaries under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5 [Types of support], points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of this Regulation; | |
| (5) ‘new farmer’ means: a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time, irrespective of the legal form of the agricultural holding; | |
| (6) ‘organic farming’ means: organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1a ]; | |
| (7) ‘holding’ means: all the units used for agricultural activities, managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, and within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as laid down in Article 52 TEU and Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (8) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information System’ or ‘AKIS’ means: the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and related fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (9) ‘smaller Aegean Islands’ means: any islands in the Aegean Sea, other than the islands of Crete and Evia. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1)A ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 of the Treaty on European Union in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by Member States in accordance with Article 1b(new) of this Regulation; | |
| (2) An "Active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to ensure that support is granted only to natural or legal persons, or to groups of natural or legal persons, engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, while not necessarily precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers. | |
| When determining who is an ‘active farmer’, Member States shall apply objective and non-discriminatory criteria, such as income tests, labour inputs on the farm, company object and inclusion of their agricultural activities in national or regional registers. Such criteria may be introduced in one or more forms chosen by Member States, including through a negative list disqualifying a farmer from being considered to be an active farmer. If a Member State considers to be ‘active farmers’ those farmers who did not receive direct payments exceeding a certain amount for the previous year, such an amount shall not be higher than EUR 5 000 | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means:. | |
| (a) a project, contract, action or group of projects or actions selected under the NRCAP Plan concerned; | |
| (b) in the context of financial instruments, the total eligible public expenditure granted to a financial instrument and the subsequent financial support provided to final recipients by that financial instrument; | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council ; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia |
((former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)) : New Text : def of “farmer” definition mirrors the existing definition and “active farmer “definition as in Article 4 (5) of Regulation 2115/2021 and def of "operation" of Regulation 2115/2021
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, irrespective of the legal status conferred on such groups and their members under national law, who manage an agricultural holding as defined in this Article and whose main activity is agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States in accordance with Article XX (1b(new)). | |
| Member States may decide that natural or legal persons, or groups of natural or legal persons, irrespective of the legal status conferred on such groups and their members under national law, who manage an agricultural holding as defined in this Article but whose main activity is not agriculture, shall be regarded as farmers, provided that they are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States. | |
| (2) ‘An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well.' | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of that Regulation. | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1]; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. [1] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16))
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, who has a holding as defined in paragraph (7) of this Regulation, and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by Member States in accordance with Article 2b(3) of this Regulation. | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors; | |
| (3) ‘An ‘active farmer’ means a farmer who exercises an ‘agricultural activity’ on its holding and ‘actively contributes to food security’. An ‘active contribution to food security’ shall be determined by the Member State in its NRP Plan on the bases of objective and non-discriminatory criteria, such as farmers’ income from agricultural activity. | |
| (4) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers or other beneficiaries under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5 [Types of support], points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of this Regulation; | |
| (5) ‘new farmer’ means a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time, irrespective of the legal form of the agricultural holding; | |
| (6) ‘organic farming’ means an organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a; | |
| (7) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities, managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, and within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as laid down in Article 52 TEU and Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (8) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (9) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. | |
| 1a Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/84 8/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means a natural or legal person or groups of natural and legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated in the Union and exercising a minimum productive agricultural activity therein, while not precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; | |
| (2) An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to ensure that support is granted only to natural or legal persons, or to groups of natural or legal persons, engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, while not necessarily precluding the granting of support to pluri-active or part-time farmers; | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of that Regulation. | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time. | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1]; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. [1] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1). |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)); definition of farmer has been ammended;
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, whatever legal status is granted to the group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; or | |
| (ii) a natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States; | |
| (2) An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well; | |
| (3) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1), points (a) to (g), (o) and (p), of that Regulation; | |
| (4) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time; | |
| (5) ‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council; | |
| (6) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (7) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation; | |
| (8) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia. |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16))
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: (i) a natural or legal person whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is an agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States in the CAP chapter of their NRP Plans, as referred to in Title III of the NRP Regulation, in accordance with the criteria set out in this Regulation; or (ii) natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by Member States. | |
| (2) A ‘beneficiary’ in the context of the implementation of LEADER means a natural or legal person or an entity with or without legal personality that is established or operates within the area covered by the relevant local development strategy and that contributes to the implementation of that strategy, including public bodies, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, and other local actors. | |
| (3) ‘An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding. Farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. | |
| (3a) new. In no cases shall the following be considered to comply with the definition of a “farmer” laid down in Paragraph 1: | |
| a) a natural person: | |
| i) with an annual non-agricultural income in excess of EUR 200.000 or; | |
| ii) that does not have a permanent residence within the European Union; | |
| b) any legal person : | |
| i. not established in the European Union or; | |
| ii. for which its agricultural activity represents less than 50 % of annual revenue or; | |
| iii. where less than 50 % of the legal or natural persons (shareholders) forming the company have permanent residence within the European Union or; | |
| iv. where less than 25 % of the legal or natural persons (shareholders) forming the company have agriculture as the predominant activity; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| (i) A "farmer" means a natural or legal person or a group of natural or legal persons whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity on the agricultural area of their holding in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation, including pluricative farmers who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity; | |
| (ii) ‘An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise of farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on the agricultural area of their holding and actively contribute to food security, pluriactive farmers, who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, and are also contributing to food security shall be considered as active farmers; | |
| (iii) ‘operation’ means a payment granted to farmers under area- and animal-based CAP income support interventions referred to in Article 5(1) [Types of intervention], points (a) to (g), (o) and (p) of this Regulation; | |
| (iv) ‘new farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to refer to a farmer other than a young farmer and who is head of the holding for the first time; | |
| (v)‘organic farming’ means organic production system certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council; | |
| (vi) ‘holding’ means all the units used for agricultural activities and managed by a farmer and situated within the territory of the same Member State, within the territorial scope of the Treaties, as defined in Article 52 TEU in conjunction with Articles 349 and 355 TFEU; | |
| (vii) ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Information system’ or ‘AKIS’ means the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge and innovations for agriculture and interrelated fields referred to in Article 20 of this regulation; | |
| (viii) ‘the smaller Aegean islands’ means any islands in the Aegean Sea except the islands of Crete and Evia; |
The adoption of a single farmer definition would reduce unnecessary administrative complexity and facilitate a more streamlined transition for new entrants and young farmers. In particular, it would recognise that individuals who are the head of a holding may, during the establishment phase of their enterprise, require supplementary sources of income in order to achieve economic viability. A single definition would therefore support the objectives of generational renewal under Article 15b by removing regulatory obstacles for new entrants.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Article 1a (new) (former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. ‘active farmer’ VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)) | |
| (1) ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (a) a natural or legal person whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States; those criteria shall include a minimum level of agricultural activity and may take account of production, agricultural income, workforce, registration in agricultural registers, management of the holding, assumption of economic risk and contribution to food security, rural employment and regional management; the definition shall not automatically exclude pluri-active farmers, part-time farmers, legal persons or groups of farmers who exercise a genuine agricultural activity. | |
| (b) a natural person or small legal person, whose principal activity is not agriculture, but who is engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States. | |
| (2) ‘active professional farmer’ shall be considered to comprise farmers who exercise primarily an effective agricultural activity on their holding, assume the inherent economic risks associated with that activity and actively contribute to food security, agricultural production, rural employment or regional management. Small farmers, pluri-active farmers and farmers whose principal activity is agriculture are also considered to be active farmers when they are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as defined by the Member States. The Member States may use objective criteria and negative lists to exclude applicants whose activity is predominantly non-agricultural or entirely passive. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Subject matter and definitions | |
| ‘Agricultural area’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise arable land, permanent crops and permanent grassland, including when they form agroforestry systems on that area. The terms ‘arable land’, ‘permanent crops’ and ‘permanent grassland’ shall be further specified by Member States within the following framework: | |
| (i) ‘arable land’ shall be land cultivated for crop production or areas available for crop production but lying fallow; | |
| (ii) ‘permanent crops’ shall be non-rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more and that yield repeated harvests, including nurseries and short rotation coppice; | |
| (iii) ‘permanent grassland’ and ‘permanent pasture’ (together referred to as ‘permanent grassland’) shall be land that is used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage, whether natural or sown, as well as land where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant or are absent, and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for 10 years or more. The following three categories of grassland shall be distinguished: | |
| - temporary grassland, established for less than five years; | |
| - long-rotation grassland, established for over five years but less than 10 years; | |
| - permanent grassland, established for over 10 years. | |
| It may include other species which can be grazed and other species which produce animal feed, such as shrubs and trees, provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant or are absent. |
Former NRP, Article 4, points 14, 15, 17, 23 + definition. the term ‘active farmer’ in the letter from Ursula von der Leyen + NRP, Article 4(3c), (9c) and (16).
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a. | |
| Article 1(b) new - Definitions to be provided in the NRP Plans | |
| 22. | |
| 1. For purposes of this Regulation, ‘young farmer’ means a farmer who meets the following conditions: | |
| (a) he/she is 40 years of age or younger on applying for the support in question; | |
| (b) he/she exercises actual, long-term control over the holding, either alone or jointly with other farmers, as regards decisions relating to the management of the business, profits and financial risks. | |
| 2. In their NRP Plans, Member States may lay down additional conditions relating to appropriate training or required skills. They may not set an upper age limit that deviates from or, in particular, is lower than that specified in paragraph 1(a) and may not limit the period during which a farmer who meets the conditions of paragraph 1 can claim support for young farmers by setting a maximum number of years from the date of setting-up or the date of the first application. | |
| 3. If a farmer meets the condition set out in paragraph 1(a) at the start of a multiannual intervention or commitment, he/she shall retain young farmer status for the whole of its duration, regardless of whether he/she exceeds the upper age limit during the period concerned. | |
| 4. Paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to provisions stipulating that support is linked to initial setting-up as head of the holding and is granted on a one-off basis only. |
Former NRP Article 4(22), agreed to be transferred.Amendments compared to the transferred text: new age limit to the definition (under 40), instead of an age range. Additional provisions that need to be fulfilledThe amendment establishes a purely age-based definition in the basic legal act: a young farmer is anyone who is 40 years old or younger at the time of the respective application. This means that support for young farmers remains available throughout the entire period up to the age limit — a farmer who takes over a holding at the age of 20 can therefore benefit for two decades. This reflects the economic reality that the establishment and investment phase following a farm takeover extends far beyond the previously customary limited support periods, and it eliminates the disadvantage faced by particularly early farm takeovers, which under the current rules fall out of support after only a few years, while later successors continue to receive support up to the age limit.Paragraph 2 preserves the competence of the Member States with regard to education and qualification requirements, but prohibits both lower national age limits and national time limits on the duration of support that would undermine the age-based definition. Paragraph 3 ensures that a young farmer who exceeds the age limit during an ongoing multiannual intervention does not lose eligibility for that intervention. Paragraph 4 clarifies that one-off aids linked to first establishment — in particular the installation support pursuant to Article 14 — remain one-off; the age-based definition does not create an entitlement to repeated granting of such support.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ is defined as a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status conferred on that group and its members by national law, whose holding is situated within the Union and who carries out an agricultural activity as defined by the Member States. | |
| (2) An ‘active farmer’ is a natural person: | |
| (a) who, alone or together with other associated farmers, holds the capital of the agricultural holding and controls, directly or indirectly, the means of production | |
| (b) who is involved in strategic and operational decisions | |
| (c) whose annual non-agricultural income, if any, does not exceed four times the annual national minimum wage | |
| (d) who can demonstrate appropriate agricultural training | |
| A natural person may be recognised as an active farmer by a Member State only once. | |
| Member States may decide to restrict certain measures to active farmers only. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| An 'active farmer' shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. Farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well, irrespective of the legal form under which the agricultural activity is exercised. Member States shall set the minimum level of agricultural activity in such a way that pluri-active and part-time farmers exercising a genuine agricultural activity are not excluded from support. Diversification activities carried out on the holding and connected to the agricultural activity, such as care farming, agritourism, direct sales and the production of renewable energy, shall not affect the status of active farmer. |
Former NRP Article 4, agreed to be transferred. Amendments compared to the transferred text: "Small farmers" replaced by "Farmers"; addition of "irrespective of the legal form under which the agricultural activity is exercised"; addition of the two final sentences safeguarding pluri-active and part-time farmers exercising a genuine agricultural activity and on-farm diversification activities. This provision corresponds to Article 1a, point 2, of the CAP Regulation as set out in the working document incorporating the transfers.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| 2. ‘Agricultural activity’ shall be determined through one or both of the following activities: | |
| (a) production of agricultural products, which includes actions such as raising animals or cultivation, where agricultural products means products listed in Annex I to the TFEU with the exception of fishery products, as well as cotton and short rotation coppice and the production of paludiculture products on LPIS agricultural parcels notwithstanding listing of such products under Annex I to the TFEU ; | |
| (b) maintenance of agricultural areas, which consists of the activities aiming at keeping the land in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation, included where implemented for animal welfare or environmental reasons and not resulting in an increase of agricultural production for the farmers. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purposes of Article 3a, the following definitions apply: (a) ‘requirement’ means each individual statutory management requirement under Union law referred to in Annex I Part A within a given legal act, differing in substance from any other requirements of the same legal act; (b) ‘legal act’ means each of the individual directives and regulations referred to Annex I Part A; (c) ‘reoccurrence of non-compliance’ means non-compliance with the same requirement or standard more than once within a consecutive period of three calendar years, provided that the beneficiary has been informed of previous non-compliance and, where relevant, has had the possibility to take the necessary measures to remedy that previous non-compliance. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| An active farmer shall be dereminated by Member States and to be applied on voluntary basis at the discretion of each Member State, in such a way as to comprise farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security. When determining who is an ‘active farmer’, Member States shall apply objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Such criteria may be introduced in one or more forms chosen by Member States, including through a negative list disqualifying a farmer from being considered to be an active farmer. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| For the purpose of this regulation the following definitions apply: | |
| (1) An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding, and actively contribute to food security - owners or shareholders of agricultural holdings that are residents of a non-EU country are excluded. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. |
(former NRP Art. 4 points 14, 15, 17, 23 + def. “active farmer” VdL letter+NRP Art.4(3c), (9c), (16)) added: "owners or shareholders of agricultural holdings that are residents of a non-EU country are excluded"
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| A farmer definition | |
| For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: | |
| A ‘farmer’ means: a natural or legal person, or a group of natural or legal persons, regardless of the legal status granted to such group and its members by national law, who has a holding as defined in Article 4(16) of NRPP regulation, and who exercises an agricultural activity as determined by Member States in accordance with Article 2b(3) of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| (2) An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to ensure that support is granted only to natural or legal persons, or to groups of natural or legal persons, engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, including pluri-active, part-time farmers and small family farms. | |
| To be considered as ‘active farmer’, appropriate training or skills shall be required, as determined by Member States. |
Former NRP Article 4 - Amendments compared to the transferred text: definition of active farmer, and the following paragraph (training as criteria for defining an active farmer).
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| (1) An ‘active farmer’ shall be determined in such a way as to comprise primarily farmers who exercise an agricultural activity on their holding and actively contribute to food security or production of agricultural goods. Small farmers, whose principal activity is not agricultural activity, but who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity, as set out by Member States, shall be considered active farmers as well. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| (1) A ‘farmer’ means: | |
| (i) a natural or legal person or a group of natural or legal persons whose holding is situated in the Union and whose principal activity is agricultural activity on the agricultural area of their holding in accordance with the criteria defined by the Member States in line with this Regulation; or including pluricative farmers and dual income farmers who are engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity. |
Former NRP Article 4(3c), agreed to be transferred. Amendments compared to the transferred text: Point (1) Insertion of "or a group of natural or legal persons"; insertion of "on the agricultural area of their holding"; insertion of "including pluricative farmers and dual income farmers who are engaged in at least a minimum level of Agricultural activity"
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions | |
| 8 (new) | |
| In the case of a cooperative farm, as a legal cooperative, a comparable legal entity or an association of natural persons or legal entities, both the cooperative farm as such and, where applicable, its individual members shall fall within the definitions set out in point (1) points i and ii, point (3) and point (5) provided that members participate on an equal footing in the holding. |
Cooperative farms are multi-family farming enterprises in which individual farmers work together on an equal footing and jointly assume responsibility. Choosing a cooperative structure should not lead to less favourable treatment than individual farming. While support remains granted to the cooperative as beneficiary, its members should be recognised as farmers for support-related rules, particularly to facilitate access for young and new farmers.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 1a | |
| Definitions to be provided in the NRP Plans | |
| Member States shall further establish in their NRP Plans the definitions of ‘active farmer’, ‘agricultural activity’, ‘agricultural area’, ‘eligible hectare’, ‘young farmer’, and ‘new farmer’ pursuant to this Article, in accordance with objective and non-discriminatory criteria and the principle of proportionality. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article1a | |
| Definitions | |
| (2) Deletion |
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Sources & citation
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- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
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- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 356 - 562 - Draft report Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034”. Text, 13 July 2026. docId AGRI-AM-790915. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-AM-790915 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/AGRI-AM-790915 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-agri-am-790915,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 356 - 562 - Draft report Establishing the conditions for the implementation of the Union support to the Common Agriculture Policy for the period from 2028 to 2034}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-13},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-AM-790915}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-AM-790915},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId AGRI-AM-790915. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}