The future of EU agriculture

The European Parliament wants the agricultural policy to have its own and larger budget, which will make support for farmers more secure and stable in the long term. MEPs are also pushing for direct payments to be paid more easily and without unnecessary paperwork.

The new rules are also designed to encourage farmers to farm more sustainably. Environmental measures will remain voluntary, but those who comply will be fairly rewarded. In addition, traditional farming methods that farmers have been using for many years will also count towards the assessment.

A great deal of emphasis is placed on young farmers. Today, there are only a minimum number of them in the sector, so Parliament wants to make it easier for them to get started, for example by offering tax breaks or more favourable loans.

At the same time, MEPs are calling for investment in better water management and more efficient use of raw materials so that Europe can ensure food security even as the impact of climate change increases.

This position was adopted by a majority of MEPs and will now form the basis for further negotiations with member states on what the EU's agricultural policy will look like after 2027.