On Friday 2 December, the European Commission approved the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans presented by Italy and Cyprus, worth €26.61 billion and €373 million respectively.
€7.4 billion of the total EU budget for these two countries will be spent on environmental and climate objectives and eco-schemes, and around €680 million on young farmers (see EUROPE 13070/8).
Italy is one of the largest agricultural producers and food processors in the EU, with a highly diversified agricultural sector. The Italian plan will introduce a maximum amount per hectare for basic income support for farmers. Small and medium-sized farms will receive a redistributive payment to ensure fairer financial support. Around 800,000 farmers will also receive specific funding (out of a total envelope of almost €3 billion) to participate in risk management tools.
As part of its environmental commitments, the Italian plan aims to increase the area devoted to organic farming to 25% of agricultural land. Italy will also be among the first EU countries to implement the new social conditionality of the CAP to ensure safety at work and to fight against labour exploitation. Finally, €1.1 billion will be devoted to helping young farmers set up and secure their activity.
The Cypriot plan provides €155 million to support farmers’ incomes. In order to support the production of halloumi cheese, Cyprus’ main agricultural export and a protected designation of origin (PDO), the Cypriot plan will in particular support the sheep and goat farming sector.
In terms of environmental and climate action, water management and soil conservation were identified as the main challenges. Rural development funds will also support local businesses, which, among other projects, should create more than 900 jobs.
More info: https://aeur.eu/f/4fa (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)