Omnibus: green light for simplification of CAP reform

New rules for a simpler and fairer EU farming policy which will strengthen farmers’ position in a fairer supply chain have been endorsed by the European Parliament. "Due to a series of agricultural crises in recent years, we need to provide farmers with better tools to protect themselves from both market volatility and unforeseen production risks. With today's agreed update we are on the good path", said Albert Deβ MEP, the EPP Group Rapporteur in the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee.

The much-needed adjustments of the mid-term reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) through the so-called Omnibus Regulation will strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain and give the Member States more flexibility to support active and young farmers.

"The compromise reached means better possibilities for our farmers to benefit from the top-up for a full five years and to choose the best suitable greening methods. It gives more certainty on permanent grassland and provides several simplifications for the regulations", said Deβ. On permanent grassland, Member States will have the possibility to retroactively designate areas as permanent grassland despite the fact it has not been ploughed for the last five years. However, as from January 2018, all grassland that has not been ploughed for five or more years becomes permanent grassland.

The agreed text should enter into force as of the beginning of next year. "The CAP is more tailored towards the farmers’ needs. The new rule needs to enter into force on time so that our farmers can implement the positive changes to the policy as soon as possible", concluded Albert Deβ.