EU States want stable agriculture income support in new CAP

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 17 - Direct and fair income support for farmers, simplification of the approval process for CAP strategic plans, and greater flexibility in the use of funds to assist farmers during extreme weather events are among the recommendations to the European Commission made by European agriculture ministers during the Agrifish Council meeting on the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
    The new CAP should aim to ensure farmers "a stable income" while providing "incentives to contribute to the green transition," the capitals emphasize, stressing the importance of fair remuneration for farmers.
    The conclusions also highlight the need to simplify procedures, continuing the work initiated by the previous European Commission in response to farmers' protests. Specifically, ministers call for a "simplified and expedited procedure" for approving and modifying national CAP strategic plans, as well as "reducing reporting obligations for farmers." Concerning climate risks, risk management tools and adaptation measures are deemed "essential," and Brussels is urged to allow "greater flexibility in the use of CAP instruments" and to establish "faster and simpler procedures to support farmers in the event of extreme weather conditions." The future CAP "needs dedicated and adequate resources to efficiently meet its multiple objectives," emphasized Hungarian Minister of Agriculture István Nagy, who chaired the meeting.
    "Direct payments should continue to support the stability of farmers' incomes." The document further underscores "the commitment to providing concrete solutions and incentives to assist farmers in the green transition." #IMCAP Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
    (ANSA).