EU experts urge targeted subsidies for poorer farmers in agriculture reform
- An expert committee's report urges the European Commission to reform agricultural subsidies to better support poorer farmers.
- The report follows protests from farmers dissatisfied with bureaucratic challenges and declining incomes.
- Recommendations include income-based subsidy allocation and a specific loan package for the agricultural sector.
A report released on September 4th by an expert committee has called for a significant reform of the European Union's agricultural subsidy system. The report, presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, emphasizes the need to direct Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies towards poorer farmers, rather than distributing funds based solely on land size. This recommendation comes in response to widespread protests from farmers earlier this year, who expressed frustration over bureaucratic hurdles and declining incomes. The consultations that led to this report involved various agricultural organizations and environmental NGOs, highlighting the urgency of addressing multiple agricultural and environmental crises. The report advocates for bold and swift actions to support those farmers who are most in need, suggesting that income-based criteria should be prioritized in subsidy allocation. Additionally, the report proposes the establishment of a specific loan package for the agricultural sector through the European Investment Bank (EIB). It also calls for a reassessment of the EU's trade negotiation strategies to better reflect the importance of agriculture and food products, as well as a review of the impact assessments of existing trade deals. To foster ongoing dialogue, the report recommends creating a platform for further consultations among stakeholders from both agricultural and environmental sectors. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that future agricultural policies are more equitable and responsive to the needs of farmers across the EU.