What exactly is the Commission proposing?
The Commission aims to reduce the administrative burden for farmers and administrations and make the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) more flexible. This reflects the diversity of EU farming and local environments better. The proposed changes focus on simplification, competitiveness, resilience, and digitalization, potentially saving farmers up to €1.58 billion annually and national administrations €210 million.
The proposals presented today support the Vision for Agriculture and Food from 19 February 2025, which provides a roadmap for a competitive and resilient food system. Aligned with the EU Competitiveness Compass, the Vision calls for reducing unnecessary regulations to enhance competitiveness.
To tackle these challenges, the Commission proposes changes to the CAP, targeting administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response, and investment needs. The proposed changes include on-farm simplification of requirements, better recognition of diverse farming practices such as organic farming, and streamlined payments for small and medium-sized farms.
Additionally, the Commission publishes a Roadmap for further simplification actions this year, outlining planned actions, tools, and an indicative timeline.
What is an Omnibus regulation?
The Commissions work programs present a series of Omnibus proposals that simplify various EU legislations. The Omnibus proposals, adopted in phases, address priority sectors highlighted by stakeholders. They ensure coherence and maximize simplification actions.
The proposals today concern the CAP and follow earlier proposals on sustainability reporting and due diligence.
Is the Commission planning further simplification measures in agriculture?
The Commission will propose additional changes to reduce reporting and compliance costs and facilitate the new flexibilities of the current CAP proposal. These actions are presented in a roadmap and will be implemented in 2025.
Is this a response to farmer protests and pressure from Member States?
The Commission is aware of farmers concerns and has proposed concrete actions to address them. Member States, being on the frontline of implementing the CAP, have reported issues with certain requirements.
Does this weaken environmental requirements under the CAP?
Simplification does not automatically mean lowering ambitions. It means more efficient implementation without lowering policy goals or social and environmental standards.
Who benefits from these changes?
Both farmers and Member States will benefit from the proposed flexibilities. Small and medium-sized farms stand to gain from simplified payments.
What are the implications for the CAP Strategic Plans?
With these simplification measures, Member States can include the new instruments in their CAP Strategic Plans.
What is the impact on the agricultural reserve?
The proposal retains the agricultural reserve and streamlines its use to better respond to market disturbances.
How will this simplification package shape the future CAP?
The simplification package follows the path for a more strategic implementation of the CAP, as outlined in the Vision for Agriculture and Food of the Commission.
How were the estimated annual savings calculated?
The Commissions Staff Working Document outlines the main impacts and includes cost-saving estimates.
For more information
Commission simplifies Common Agricultural Policy to support farmers and enhance competitiveness