Brussels/Strasbourg – During the plenary session in Strasbourg this week, Members of the European Parliament (EP) voiced their support for a dedicated budget for the EU’s common agricultural policy in the long-term budget beyond 2027. TASR reached out to both Slovak MEPs from the EP Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) regarding this issue.
The MEPs emphasized that the common agricultural policy should remain distinct from other funding areas in the upcoming multiannual financial framework (MFF) and should not be included in broader financial packages for non-agricultural purposes. They also called for a reduction in red tape for farmers and for incentives aimed at those achieving environmental and social objectives.
Equalize direct payments and simplify fund access
Katarína Roth Neveďalová (independent/Smer-SD) argued against cutting funds for farmers and food producers, advocating instead for increased funding, equalization of direct payments, and simplified access to funds. “We must alleviate their bureaucratic burden and also reconsider environmental standards. Farmers should not bear the weight of our green objectives alone,” she stated.
Targeted support for small businesses, family farms, and young farmers
Michal Wiezik (RE/PS) highlighted the growing uncertainty and administrative challenges faced by EU farmers due to geopolitical tensions and climate change, which have sparked significant protests. “Thus, I view the Report on the Future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027 as a positive development. It advocates for a robust and unified policy with its own budget, reduced bureaucracy, and fairer, more focused support for those who require it most – small businesses, family farms, and young farmers,” he noted.
This approach translates into farmers receiving stable and reliable support through a dedicated budget of at least 300 billion euros. Payments will focus on enhancing entrepreneurial activities among farmers, including agro-environmental initiatives, modernization investments, and the adoption of new practices and technologies. Additionally, member states will tap into the new National and Regional Partnership Fund, a package amounting to 865 billion euros, aimed at financing business support in rural regions.
“However, we must ensure that reducing bureaucracy does not compromise control – transparency and oversight of fund disbursement are crucial to prevent fraud, as seen recently in Slovakia,” he added. He cautioned against excessive flexibility and simplification, which could undermine environmental standards, posing a regression in current agricultural policies. He asserted that in times of climate change, with challenges like droughts and floods, safeguarding soil, water, and biodiversity is essential for food security, not an impediment to it. (September 12)
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