European Commission relaxes rules for agricultural subsidies

The European Commission is expected to adopt tomorrow the third legislative package dedicated to the Common Agricultural Policy, the so-called Omnibus Agricultural Directive, through which it proposes increasing flexibility in accessing agricultural subsidies, more consistent support for small farmers and faster payments for farmers affected by the increasingly visible effects of climate change, such as floods and droughts, according to an article published by the Italian news agency - ANSA - which came into possession of the draft document.

The new measures follow on from the previous year, when the Community Executive in Brussels decided to relax some rules in response to massive protests by farmers. Among the proposed changes is a further relaxation of the basic requirements - known as "good agricultural and environmental conditions" (GAC) - that farmers must meet in order to benefit from aid. Thus, in the case of the maintenance of permanent grassland (Bcaa1), the maximum margin for reducing these areas is to be extended from 5% to 10%, giving Member States more freedom of action. In addition, additional payments are encouraged for the protection of peatlands and wetlands (Bcaa2), and the new rules provide for a redefinition of the concept of "watercourse" in the context of the protection of aquatic resources (Bcaa4). Given the increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme phenomena - such as natural disasters and severe climatic events -, the European Commission proposes the introduction of "complementary crisis payments" within the framework of direct subsidies. Their aim is to quickly support affected farmers and strengthen their incomes in a context of increasing climate uncertainty. The importance of this measure is also underlined by the fact that these payments will be exempted from the usual conditionality regime, in order to allow for a more prompt and efficient intervention.

Through this new legislative package, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to adapting agricultural policies to current realities and to supporting farmers in a period of major transformations and unprecedented climate challenges.