Parliament endorses simpler rules and more support for farmers | Noticias | Parlamento Europeo – European Parliament

Report on the EU Agriculture Rules Simplification Agreement

Overview of the Agreement

On 10 November, negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council reached a preliminary agreement to simplify EU agriculture rules. This agreement was supported by 629 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with 17 voting against and 16 abstentions. The agreement aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), life on land (SDG 15), and no poverty (SDG 1).

Support for Small Farmers

The co-legislators agreed on enhanced financial support measures aimed at small-scale farmers, which contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development:

1. Annual payments to small farms increased to up to €3,000, up from the €2,500 initially proposed by the European Commission.
2. A new additional one-time payment for business development was raised to a maximum of €75,000, compared to the €50,000 previously proposed.

Environmental Requirements

The new rules emphasize environmental sustainability, supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental impact:

• Farmland classified as cultivable from 1 January 2026 will retain this status even if fields have not been plowed, tilled, or reseeded, reducing the burden on farmers and protecting biodiversity.
• Farmers certified as organic will automatically be considered compliant with Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) standards for the portions of their farms that are organic or in conversion, simplifying compliance and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
• Member States may limit this simplification if administrative burdens from controls are deemed excessive.

Reduction of Controls

To reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency, inspections will follow the “only once” principle, meaning farmers will undergo no more than one official on-site control per year. This measure supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting effective, accountable governance.

Statement from the Rapporteur

André Rodrigues (S&D, Portugal), the rapporteur, stated: “Farmers need clear rules, less bureaucracy, and certainty about the payments they will receive. Today’s approval demonstrates what we have advocated from the start: simpler rules and better support without weakening environmental and social protections.” This statement highlights the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

Next Steps

• The provisional agreement requires formal approval by the Council.
• It will enter into force one day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Focus on supporting small-scale farmers and improving agricultural productivity.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Encouragement of sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, resources, and financial services.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Financial Support to Small Farmers
   • Amount of annual financial aid provided to small agricultural holdings (e.g., up to €3,000 per year and additional payments up to €75,000 for business development).
2. Environmental Compliance
   • Number or percentage of agricultural lands maintaining their cultivable designation without the need for ploughing or reseeding by 2026.
   • Proportion of farms certified as organic or in conversion to organic farming meeting Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC).
3. Administrative Efficiency
   • Number of official on-site inspections per farmer per year, aiming for the “only once” principle.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: europarl.europa.eu