Member States expressed strong reservations on Monday 1 June regarding any substantial change to the definition of ‘farmer’ within the post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP), during an exchange of views within the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA).
They expressed overwhelming support for a post-2027 CAP that maintains a definition of farmer close to the current one, thus opposing the restrictions envisaged by the European Commission.
The Commission had proposed introducing the concept of ‘main activity’, or, at the very least, a minimum level of activity, in order to target aid more effectively.
Several delegations in the SCA also expressed their reluctance to approve a definition until a comprehensive agreement had been reached on all other provisions of the 2028-2034 CAP, particularly on the possible introduction of a definition of ‘active farmer’. On this point, Member States appear divided, despite the support openly shown by France and the Commission.
Some Member States suggested including a reference to the regulation on national and regional partnership plans, on which the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council hopes ministers will reach a partial political agreement (‘General approach’) on 16 June.
Moreover, the EU Council aims to reach a ‘General approach’ on the regulation amending the CAP strategic plans between now and the ‘Agriculture’ Council meeting in Luxembourg on 22 and 23 June. The next meeting of the Special Committee on Agriculture is scheduled for 15 June.
Note from the Cyprus Presidency: https://aeur.eu/f/m68 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)