The European Parliament has approved new legislation providing greater flexibility under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and stronger support for farmers. Under the new rules, small farms will be eligible for annual financial support of up to €3,000.
The legislation also ensures that land classified as arable from 1 January 2026 will retain this status even if it is not ploughed, cultivated, or reseeded. In addition, inspections will follow the “once-only” principle, meaning farmers will not be subject to more than one official on-site check per year.
Rapporteur André Rodrigues stated that simpler rules and better support can be achieved without weakening environmental and social protections. Once approved by the Council, the legislation will enter into force one day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
