The European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on 29 June 2026 debated the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2028-2034 and temporary support for farmers hit by fertiliser price hikes linked to the Middle East crisis. The discussion exposed a divide between those prioritising simplification and competitiveness and those demanding stronger environmental and crisis measures.
EPP rapporteur Herbert Dorfmann stressed the need for a simplified, flexible CAP that ensures food security and supports young farmers, arguing that excessive bureaucracy undermines the policy's effectiveness. S&D's Paolo De Castro pushed back, calling for stronger crisis mechanisms and a permanent reserve to address market volatility, a position that would increase EU intervention in agricultural markets. Renew Europe's Ulrike Müller called for increased funding for eco-schemes and innovation, seeking a middle ground that rewards environmental performance without mandating it. Greens-EFA MEP Martin Häusling took the strongest stance, arguing the current CAP lacks ambition on climate and biodiversity goals and urging mandatory measures—a position that would impose binding obligations on farmers. ECR's Mazaly Aguilar questioned the effectiveness of direct payments and advocated for a more market-oriented approach, aligning with PfE's Ivan David, who warned against overregulation that could harm competitiveness.
On the separate fertiliser support proposal, Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen proposed advances on direct payments to ease liquidity for farmers facing input cost spikes. The Left's Luke Flanagan criticised this as insufficient, demanding price caps and strategic reserves instead—a more interventionist approach that would directly control fertiliser prices. The committee will vote on the CAP reform report in September, while the fertiliser proposal is expected to be adopted by the Council in July.
The debate reflects a cleavage between those favouring market liberalisation and reduced regulation (ECR, PfE) and those advocating stronger EU intervention for crisis management (S&D, The Left) or environmental objectives (Greens-EFA). The outcome will affect EU farmers, who face compliance costs and price volatility; agri-food businesses, which depend on stable supply chains; and consumers, who may see food price changes depending on the policy mix adopted.