Luxembourg: The discussion on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 and the targeting options for income support was the focus of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), which is taking place today, Monday, in Luxembourg. Under the presidency of Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, the Council examined the key parameters of the new CAP architecture, with particular emphasis on targeting support to farmers.
According to Cyprus News Agency, at the opening of the proceedings, Dr. Panayiotou stressed that the discussion followed up on last November's exchange of views regarding the role of targeted support in strengthening food security, placing particular emphasis on the European Commission's new proposal for Degressive Area-Based Income Support (DABIS).
The Minister also noted that, within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency, progress has been made in incorporating provisions into CAP strategic plans relating to the targeting of income support, quotas, interim funding assessments, and interventions for rural areas from 2028 onwards.
She further highlighted that delegations agreed on the importance of protecting food security and ensuring the economic viability of farmers when designing targeted income support. At the same time, she noted that several Member States argued that degressivity and capping mechanisms should remain voluntary, while also ensuring a level playing field across the EU.
Dr. Panayiotou also stated that ministers welcomed the discussion on the definition of a 'farmer' within the framework of the Agriculture Council, noting that relevant positions have already been submitted and that the technical examination of the issue is still at an early stage.
At the same time, the Minister stressed that several Member States rejected the Commission's proposal to exclude retired farmers from support under the DABIS mechanism, arguing that generational renewal should be pursued through incentives for young farmers rather than restrictions on older producers.
She also pointed out that delegations reiterated that without an adequate and dedicated CAP budget, the necessary resources to safeguard the Union's food security cannot be ensured. She added that the Presidency will continue thematic discussions on the future Common Agricultural Policy at the next meeting in June, in cooperation with Member States and the European Commission.