11.01.2018

The agricultural proposal, the so-called "Omnibus Regulation," approved by Regulation (EU) No. 2017/2393 and in force since January 1 of this year, introduces amendments to several EU regulations, including those related to the CAP in the current programming period, 2014-2020. These amendments will lead to significant positive developments in:

- The simplification and flexibility of direct payments , including a new definition of permanent pasture . The new definition has taken into account Spain's proposal, supported by Parliament, to allow shrubby and wooded pastures typical of the Mediterranean area to be considered eligible. Until now, they were only eligible if they had more than 50% of their surface covered with herbaceous species or if they were part of so-called "local traditional practices." This new definition expands the spectrum of eligible pastures to include all wooded and shrubby pastures that can actually be grazed, even if herbaceous forage is not the majority in those areas.

- Simplification and flexibility of Rural Development Programmes ( RDP ): among the most significant new features introduced by this legislative proposal related to the implementation of the RDPs are:

a. The definition of “ young farmer ” and “date of establishment” is amended to facilitate the incorporation of young people into agricultural holdings, regardless of their legal status.

b. The use of financial instruments in various rural development measures, including the youth integration measure, is facilitated and simplified.

c. The RDP advisory services measure is simplified, allowing its implementation to be carried out through public procurement procedures or a grant-based call for proposals.

d. In the measure supporting participation in quality schemes for agricultural food products , the scope of beneficiaries is expanded, allowing farmers to opt for this aid even if they are already members of the corresponding differentiated quality scheme.

e. In the measure supporting agroforestry systems , which are so important in Spain, support is explicitly considered for actions aimed at renewing or regenerating these systems. This proposal was suggested by Spain and has been supported by the European Parliament.

f. In the case of agro-environmental operations, the possibility of also supporting non-native agricultural genetic resources is opened up.

- Strengthening farmers' position in the value chain . The scope of action for farmers and ranchers is expanded, allowing all producer organizations to plan production and jointly negotiate the terms of their members' contracts.

- Improved tools for managing risks affecting agricultural production. Crop insurance against weather and pest risks has reduced its loss threshold to 20% for compensation.