The European Commission approved, on Wednesday 7 December, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans submitted by Bulgaria and Romania, worth €5.6 billion and €14.9 billion respectively.
Out of the total EU budget of these two countries, more than €5.6 billion will be dedicated to environmental and climate objectives and eco-schemes and €436 million to young farmers.
Income support is an important part of the Bulgarian plan to reduce the income gap between farmers and workers in other sectors. More than €600 million will be dedicated to supporting the struggling meat, dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors. In terms of environmental actions, the plan will ensure that more than 80% of arable land has a minimum soil cover during sensitive periods in order to improve soil quality.
The Romanian plan aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods and their competitiveness. In addition to income support, around €1.1 billion will be allocated to investments in farms and processing units. Romania uses 41% of its rural development budget to encourage environmentally friendly practices in areas with high natural value to protect biodiversity.
For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/4iw (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)