Farmers across the European Union face significant administrative burdens on top of their day-to-day farming responsibilities. These regulatory obligations can be time-consuming and costly, not only for farmers but also for national administrations. In an effort to address these challenges, the European Commission has proposed a set of changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that aim to reduce the regulatory load on farmers, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainability. These proposed changes are part of a broader simplification effort designed to make farming more efficient and less encumbered by red tape.
One of the key elements of the proposal is the simplification of payments for small farmers. Under the new rules, the annual lump-sum payment limit for small farmers will increase from €1,250 to €2,500. This change is expected to ease the financial burden on small farms, which are often unable to meet the complex requirements of larger farming operations. In addition to the increased payment limit, small farmers will be exempt from certain environmental regulations. This exemption will allow them to focus more on their farming operations rather than on compliance with complex environmental rules. Furthermore, small farmers will have the opportunity to benefit from payments that reward eco-friendly farming practices, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable methods without facing additional regulatory hurdles.
The proposed changes also include simplified environmental requirements and controls. Certified organic farms, for example, will automatically be considered as meeting some of the EU’s environmental requirements for funding. This automatic recognition will reduce the administrative workload for organic farmers, enabling them to focus on their core activities. Additionally, farmers may benefit from incentives aimed at protecting peatlands and wetlands, areas that are vital for biodiversity and carbon storage. To further streamline compliance, the European Commission proposes using satellite technology and other digital tools to monitor environmental requirements. As a result, on-the-spot checks will be limited to one per year per farm, reducing the disruption caused by inspections and ensuring that farmers can devote more time to their work.
Crisis management has also been a focal point of the proposed changes. Farmers affected by natural disasters or animal diseases will receive enhanced support through new crisis payments and more flexible risk management tools. These measures aim to provide timely assistance to farmers during emergencies, helping them recover more quickly from unforeseen challenges. Furthermore, the proposal introduces greater flexibility for national administrations in adapting their CAP strategic plans. Previously, any amendments to these plans required prior approval from the European Commission. Under the new rules, national governments will have more autonomy to make adjustments, reducing delays and improving responsiveness in times of need.
The proposal also seeks to boost the competitiveness of EU farming through increased digitalisation. Small farmers will have access to a new simple funding option that offers up to €50,000 as a lump sum to help grow their farms. This financial support will allow them to invest in technology and infrastructure, ultimately enhancing their productivity and competitiveness in the market. Additionally, national administrations will be encouraged to develop interoperable digital systems, so that farmers only need to submit their data once, through a single system. This digital approach will save farmers time and reduce administrative costs, making it easier for them to comply with regulatory requirements.
These proposed changes build on similar simplification measures introduced by the European Commission in 2024 and represent a key part of the vision for EU agriculture and food. The simplification process will continue later this year with a broader legislative package aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on farmers, agri-food businesses, and administrations across the EU. By reducing red tape, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting sustainable practices, these changes are designed to make farming in the EU more efficient, resilient, and future-proof.
