Agriculture ministers of the Twenty-Seven on Monday approved the compromise with MEPs on CAP reform aimed at greening EU agriculture, while the Commission refuted accusations of "
greenwashing
".
Read also: Europe agrees to green the new common agricultural policy
“
We have reached a good, balanced agreement
” for a “
more sustainable and fair
”
common agricultural policy (CAP)
, “
supporting the transition to agriculture that respects the environment and the climate
” while “
preserving the competitiveness of farms
», Declared Portuguese Minister Maria do Céu Antunes, who was negotiating on behalf of states.
After months of bitter talks, the negotiators of the States and of the European Parliament agreed on Friday on the new CAP, with a budget of 387 billion euros over seven years and which will apply from January 2023.
Bonuses, measures for biodiversity, environment
It is based on “
eco-regimes
”, bonuses granted to farmers who meet environmental criteria and to which the States will have to devote 25% of direct payments.
Measures are also planned for biodiversity (uncultivated land, crop rotation, etc.), the conditioning of aid to respect workers' rights, and an alignment of national policies with the EU's environmental objectives (Green Climate Pact , reduction of pesticides ...).
Read also: The CAP is not green enough
Meeting in Luxembourg, European ministers formally endorsed this compromise.
Many “
technical details
” still need to be discussed between the states, before the conclusion of a text that will be put to a vote by MEPs in the autumn.
States will have to submit their “
national strategic plan
” (how they define eco-regimes and apply the CAP) to the Commission
by the end of 2021
for approval.
Contrasting reactions
"
This agreement will make it possible to consolidate European food sovereignty (...) and to support our farmers in preparing themselves for challenges such as climate change
", observed French Minister Julien Denormandie.
Read also: The key issues blocking the CAP
Green MEPs and NGOs, however, criticize a "
disastrous
"
compromise
and environmental rules deemed too lightly restrictive. In front of the press, European Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski endeavored to dismantle these criticisms. "
These eco-diets are an opportunity for small family farms, additional help
", which gives them the means, by adopting better ecological practices "
to face the competition
" of large farms, he argued, pointing out also aid to young farmers.
Of course, the European environmental objectives are not “
legally binding
”, he admitted. But, according to him, the States will do everything to take them into account in the CAP: "
We will continue to dialogue and persuade
", he insisted, because these rules "
are for the benefit of farmers
".