Quote from Alex bobby on May 15, 2025, 6:23 AM

Commission Unveils Major Plan to Simplify EU’s Agricultural Rulebook and Cut Red Tape for Farmers

The European Commission has announced a sweeping new plan to simplify the European Union’s agricultural rulebook—a move it claims could save farmers up to €1.58 billion annually while modernising the bloc’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Revealed in Brussels, the plan is part of a broader simplification strategy, dubbed the "omnibus" package, under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s second term.

Designed to reduce bureaucracy, increase competitiveness, and accelerate digitalisation, the new measures seek to ease the administrative burden on farmers and national governments while maintaining environmental protections at the core of EU agriculture.

Easing the Paperwork Burden

At the heart of this reform is a clear push to streamline administrative procedures and remove redundant or overlapping requirements—particularly in areas like organic farming rules and environmental conditionalities tied to CAP funding.

According to EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, the reforms represent “much more than just simplification.” In a press briefing, he described the package as an investment in the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s farming sector.

One of the flagship components of the proposal is the "report once, use multiple times" principle. Under this, farmers will be able to submit data through a single digital platform, which can then be accessed by various government departments. This innovation promises to reduce redundant paperwork, lower compliance costs, and improve farm management across the bloc.

In total, the reforms are expected to save national governments an additional €210 million annually, according to Commission estimates.

Balancing Green Commitments with Pragmatism

While the proposals offer administrative relief, some of the most contentious changes relate to environmental rules. Farmers across Europe have protested in recent years, calling for fewer restrictions and more practical support. The Commission appears to have taken these concerns seriously.

Of the nine environmental conditionalities currently required under CAP funding, eight will remain—but will now allow for greater flexibility in how member states meet them. For example, if a national rule already mandates a certain green practice, it could be considered equivalent to an EU rule, sparing farmers from having to meet both.

“We’re not weakening the green architecture,” Hansen assured reporters. “We’re simply making it more territorially tailored and less redundant.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Thomas Waitz, an Austrian Green MEP, warned that “flexibility must not come at the expense of environmental protection and public health.” He cited growing threats like water pollution from pesticides and fertilisers, stressing the need for strong and consistent safeguards.

Some critics argue the new flexibility might water down the EU’s green ambitions, while supporters say it reflects a pragmatic recalibration of policies that have so far struggled to deliver on sustainability promises.

Supporting Small Farmers and Crisis Resilience

Another key focus of the package is supporting small-scale farmers, many of whom have struggled to keep up with regulatory and market pressures.

To address this, the Commission proposes doubling the threshold for annual lump-sum payments from €1,250 to €2,500, and introducing a simplified funding stream of up to €50,000 to help small farms enhance their competitiveness.

Farmers hit by crises—whether from natural disasters, animal diseases, or extreme weather—will also benefit from enhanced crisis payments. These will be funded through more flexible risk management tools embedded in national CAP Strategic Plans.

Meanwhile, the EU agricultural reserve—a pot of money traditionally used to respond to emergencies—will now be reserved strictly for EU-wide market disruptions, rather than individual national events. This change aims to make the reserve more impactful and better targeted.

Reforming Agricultural Governance

The reform package also lays the groundwork for the post-2027 CAP, which will be shaped in parallel with the EU’s next long-term budget cycle. A major governance change under the new proposal involves streamlining how national CAP strategic plans are updated.

Until now, countries had to seek prior Commission approval for nearly all updates. Under the new system, only major strategic amendments will need approval, enabling faster policy responses and quicker benefits for farmers on the ground.

What Happens Next?

The legislative proposal will now move to the European Parliament and the Council for debate and adoption. If approved, it could mark a major shift in how the EU regulates and supports its farming sector.

While the package is being welcomed by many in the agricultural community, environmental groups and Green lawmakers remain cautious. They argue that simplification must not come at the cost of environmental standards or long-term sustainability.

Still, the Commission insists this isn’t about choosing between farming and the environment—it’s about harmonising the two, while recognising the diversity of agricultural landscapes across Europe.

As Commissioner Hansen put it, “We’re offering clarity, digitalisation, and targeted support, all while keeping Europe’s agricultural sector future-ready.”

If successfully implemented, this package could represent a turning point in EU agricultural policy, one that balances efficiency, resilience, and environmental responsibility.