Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support should go to those who are "actively producing, who are actively working the land and who are working with animals," according to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.

But speaking in Brussels, Christophe Hansen, also warned that the definition of an active farmer poses a "huge challenge" because of the "divergent views" on the issue.

Despite this the commissioner maintains that definititions are necessary, as are "mandatory instruments" when it comes to CAP.

Speaking after the Agrifish Council meeting yesterday (Monday, September 28) Commissioner Hansen said in relation to CAP proposals the European Commission has currently ringfenced income support for farmers, which he believes is very important.

He also warned that a voluntary approach to degressivity and capping - put forward by some member states in the current CAP negotiatons - would go against the principle of commonality of CAP.

"I do not think this is the right way forward," he said, while adding that he was flexible and was willing to hear from EU agriculture ministers on what would be the "thresholds for the start of the digressivity for the capping that would be acceptable".

"But we know that there is a certain economy of scale, and I think that everybody can acknowledge it as well and there are certain entities that are buying up land - this is posing another problem," the commissioner added.

He said access to land is an issue across Europe, particularly for younger farmers and there are "certain entities" who are investing in land who are not agricultural producers.

"We need a common approach that works for all member states," the commissioner said.

The European Commission has proposed a mandatory annual cap of €100,000 per farm, with a progressive reduction of the hectare-based payments starting at €20,000.

CAP

Under the Irish presidency, the aim is to reach "a partial general approach (PGA)" on the post-2027 CAP at the AgriFish Council meeting next month.

According to Commissioner Hansen, the CAP remains a "key political priority".

But he also believes that "further work is needed to strike the right balance" in some areas of the next Common Agricultural Policy.

Commissioner Hansen added: "Some key tools will need to be mandatory to preserve the commonality of our policy.

"So, flexibility, yes, but not at the cost of the common policy. Better targeted support is essential as well as the strength and support for investments into resilience and adaptation."