Brussels offers one-year exemption from CAP fallow rules

The European Commission offered this on Wednesday one year cancellation of the rules of common Agricultural Policy (pac) which is bound farmers to retain some lands fallow In response to concerns from several member states, such as France, so that they can continue to receive aid. To receive the CAP support they are entitled to, farmers must respect an advanced set of nine environmental and climate beneficial standards known as ‘BCAM’, a principle of cross-compliance similar to that used in the EU. It applies to almost 90% of the agricultural sector. And plays an important role in the integration of sustainable agricultural practices.

These standards require, among other things, Dedicate minimum proportion of cultivable land for areas or facilities infertilewhich generally refers to fallow areas, a requirement which Brussels has proposed to repeal so that farmers remain entitled to receive basic direct payments from the CAP.

“Today’s solution offers additional flexibility for At a time when farmers are facing many challenges. We will continue to work with our farmers to ensure that the CAP strikes the right balance between meeting their needs and providing public goods to our citizens,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. EU farmers with nitrogen-fixing crops (such as lentils, peas or broad beans) on 4% of their arable land, or catch crops on 7% of their arable land, rather than keeping land fallow or unproductive Will be considered eligible.

The measure will be voted on by Member States in the coming days and, after that, the Commission will proceed to formal adoption so that the regulation applies retroactively from January 1, 2024.

Member States wishing to implement the derogation at national level must inform the Commission within 15 days so that farmers can be informed as soon as possible.