nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by ANP.

European Commission wants more money and fewer rules for small farmers

by AI | 16.May 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Commission wants to increase a one-time annual payment for small farmers from 1200 to 2500 euros. These small farmers should also be exempt from environmental regulations, the European Commission proposes in a plan to simplify agricultural rules.

European Commissioner Christophe Hansen (Agriculture). (Photo FENA/Screenshot)

BRUSSELS (ANP) – The Commission wants to support small farmers, who play an important role in rural life, said European Commissioners Christophe Hansen (Agriculture) and Valdis Dombrovskis (Simplification) during the presentation of the plan. Small farmers have less than 10 hectares of land, according to the website of the agricultural committee.

Organic farms should be able to obtain financing more easily. The Commission does not want to lower its green ambitions, but rather simplify implementation. By abolishing obligations, the Commission believes it will become more attractive for farmers and rural authorities to promote green farming.

Member states should also be able to allocate funds more easily for farmers affected by natural disasters or animal diseases. The Commission wants member states to be able to freely spend 3 percent of their EU agricultural budget on such crises.

According to the Commission, EU farmers face “excessive administrative burdens that often do not align with reality. This regulatory pressure incurs costs and time for farmers and national authorities.” With the simplifications, the Commission hopes to save European farmers around 1.5 billion and governments 210 million euros annually. Further concrete measures still need to be developed.

Before the European elections, there were significant farmer protests in Brussels against the regulations. The Commission states that it has taken farmers’ concerns into account in this decision-making process, but that the simplification fits into a larger plan.

Since taking office, the Commission has been working on a package to simplify European rules, hoping that businesses can become more competitive. A similar package is expected in June regarding defense, and later in the year for other policy areas.

(May 14, 2025)