Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels (dpa) – Negotiators from EU member states and the European Parliament on Monday reached a provisional agreement that is set to reduce paperwork and on-site inspections for farmers in the European Union.
The deal also foresees more financial support for small farms, the Danish EU presidency said.
Rules for receiving EU agricultural subsidies are to be simplified, particularly for organic producers, and farmers are to be given better tools to insure themselves against risks.
Member states would also be allowed to make payments to farmers in crisis situations – for example after natural disasters or extreme weather – to ensure that affected farms can continue operating.
“It’s important to make farming easier in Europe because this will help the agricultural industry grow and become stronger – boosting the sector’s competitiveness across Europe,” said Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre.
Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
The negotiations were based on a proposal presented by the European Commission in May aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of European agriculture.
According to the commission, simplifying the EU’s farm subsidy system could save agricultural businesses up to 1.6 billion Euro per year, while national authorities could save about 200 million Euro.
Agricultural relief measures were agreed last year following protests by farmers in several EU countries. They included the relaxation of environmental regulations and the exempting of smaller farms from inspections. Farmers had complained about excessive bureaucracy.
The agreement must now be formally approved by EU member states and the European Parliament before it can take effect. (11 November)
The editorial responsibility for the publication lies with dpa.