Talks on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 have ended after discussions in Luxembourg over the last two days.
EU agriculture ministers exchanged views on CAP’s future and how it could help to ensure a competitive, crisis-proof and farmer-focused sector. Agriculture ministers pointed out the importance of the CAP in achieving those objectives.
They also highlighted the key goals of ensuring food security, while guaranteeing a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, concrete solutions and incentives for farmers, and reasonable prices for consumers.
The Hungarian presidency issued a set of presidency conclusions on this topic, which were supported by 26 member states.
European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski told EU News Radio: “My vision of the future of the CAP should be based on the four ‘S’ principles – security, stability, sustainability and solidarity.
“The question of food security is the main function of agriculture. Stability for the farmers’ incomes, legal stability.
“Sustainability – support for small and medium-sized family farmers, which is very important for the sustainable development of not only agriculture but also the rural areas.
“It is also a strong signal that we need strength in the crisis instrument to support farmers in the crisis situation. Solidarity with the farmers,” he added.
CAP
During the 2019-2024 mandate, the CAP celebrated its 60th anniversary. The EU’s longest standing common policy has been constantly evolving to adapt to new farming realities and needs, to promote the sustainable development of the sector, and to increase its support to rural areas, improving their well-being.
The current CAP started on January 1, 2023. For the 2023-2027 period, the budget for the CAP is €269.5 billion.
Implemented via 28 CAP Strategic Plans designed by EU countries and coordinated by the European Commission, it is described as the most ambitious CAP there has ever been from an environmental and climate perspective.
Overall, 47% of the CAP budget is climate relevant. According to the commission, the CAP strongly supports the general commitment to dedicate 10% of the EU budget to biodiversity objectives by the end of the EU’s long-term budget.
The commission has noted that over the past years, the agricultural sector has been under pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the surge in energy prices and inputs following the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
In addition, extreme climate events are becoming more and more frequent, it has said. In total, around €1.5 billion of additional EU funds have been distributed to farmers to help them face exceptional climate events, higher costs, and market disturbances.