The European Commission has unveiled a major simplification package for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aiming to ease administrative burdens, strengthen crisis support, and improve farmers’ competitiveness. These changes could save farmers up to €1.58 billion and national administrations €210 million annually.
Key measures include:
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A simplified lump-sum payment scheme for small farmers, with the cap raised from €1,250 to €2,500.
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Streamlined environmental rules—organic farms will automatically meet certain green standards, and tech-based checks will reduce inspections to one per farm annually.
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Enhanced crisis support for farmers hit by disasters or diseases.
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Easier CAP Strategic Plan updates for Member States.
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Simplified funding of up to €50,000 to help small farms modernize.
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Digital systems to cut red tape by allowing farmers to submit data only once.
The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and Council. It’s part of the Commission’s wider goal to cut EU-wide administrative burdens by 25%, with further simplifications coming later this year.
