Exit schemes and retirement planning for older farmers are two of a number of proposals from the European Commission to promote generational renewal in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, from DG Agriculture with the Commission, said that while generational renewal is key under CAP 2020, the Commission is also looking at the needs of those leaving the sector too.

“We are looking at developing the possibility where member states can [provide] exit schemes and exit payments [for farmers] above the national retirement age,” she said.

For young farmers, the first big change is that Europe will be asking member states to develop a strategy for young farmers – to analyse their needs, find out where there are problems and do something about it, she said.

“We are also asking them to take a look at national rules on taxation, inheritance law and other things that can impact on a young farmer developing his business,” she said.

The proposals show that member states have to spend at least 2% of the value of their direct payments on young farmers, with member states having a choice between top-up payments in the first pillar or installation grants in pillar two.

Eco schemes

Eco schemes will also be part of the new direct payments structure.

“It is mandatory for member states to develop at least one eco scheme in their CAP plan. For a farmer, it is voluntary. It has to deliver on environment and climate. The eco schemes are flexible – [farmers] can sign up annually,” she said.

Inspections

Another change on the way in the next CAP for farmers will be in the form of inspections.

Kirketerp de Viron said that Europe will set out the parameters in EU legislation and then will ask the member states to design the system for inspections, then the Commission will check that it is a proper system.

“The big change is that we don’t set out rules for the individual beneficiary any more. We don’t make rules for the farmers directly any more.

“We want to be able to do the least possible on the spot controls – of course, we still have to do them,” she said.

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