Particle.news
Download on the App Store

EU Reaches Provisional Deal to Simplify Farm Policy, Curb Checks and Boost Small-Farm Aid

The package awaits formal sign-off for measures to begin in 2026.

Overview

  • Farmers would face no more than one official on-site inspection per year, and certified organic producers would be deemed compliant with several requirements.
  • Direct support for small farmers rises to €3,000 annually, and a one-off business development payment of up to €75,000 is created.
  • Land classified as arable on 1 January 2026 can keep that status without ploughing or reseeding, reducing compliance costs.
  • Crisis payments are envisaged for active farmers affected by natural disasters or adverse climatic events.
  • The European Commission welcomes the deal and estimates yearly savings of up to €1.6 billion for farmers and €210 million for national administrations, while groups such as COPA‑Cogeca and UPA say the package falls short on funding needs.