Protecting food security remains a key priority in discussions on the future of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027, Cyprus’ Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said on Monday.
Speaking at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg, Panayiotou said ministers were examining how income support can be better targeted to strengthen both food production and farmers’ economic sustainability.
Focus on targeted income support
The meeting, held under the Cypriot presidency, focused on the overall structure of the next CAP framework, with particular attention to new approaches such as Degressive Area-Based Income Support.
Panayiotou said the discussions build on exchanges held last November, when ministers explored how targeted support could reinforce food security. She noted that progress has been made on integrating key provisions into national CAP strategic plans, including measures on income targeting, quotas, interim funding assessments and rural development interventions from 2028 onwards.
Member states broadly agreed on the importance of safeguarding food security while ensuring farmers remain economically viable. However, divisions remain over how certain mechanisms should be applied.
Several countries argued that degressivity and capping of payments should remain voluntary, while also stressing the need to maintain fair competition across the bloc.
Debate over farmer definition and eligibility
Debate also touched on the definition of a “farmer”, with Panayiotou noting that discussions are still at an early technical stage despite initial positions already being submitted.
Another point of contention was the European Commission’s proposal to exclude retired farmers from support under the new system. A number of member states rejected the idea, arguing that generational renewal should be encouraged through incentives for younger farmers rather than restrictions on older producers.
Budget concerns and next steps
Panayiotou also underlined that without a sufficient and dedicated CAP budget, the EU will not be able to guarantee the resources needed to protect food security.
She said further thematic discussions on the future of the policy will continue at the next Council meeting in June, in cooperation with member states and the European Commission.
Source: CNA