Aiming to breathe new life into European farming, Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen advocates excluding pensioners from degressive area-based income support (DABIS) by 2032 as part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028-2034 reforms. This policy targets the aging farming demographic, intending to motivate generational renewal, a move likely to stir reactions among older farmers, aspiring young agriculturists, and member state governments responsible for social pension schemes.
The answer addresses a parliamentary question posed by MEP Marko Vešligaj (S&D) concerning the specifics of excluding pensioners from CAP income support under the proposed reforms.
While the response lacks precise numerical data on how many pensioners would be affected or the diversity of pension types excluded, it confirms a uniform application: all farmers receiving retirement pensions, as defined by national laws, will lose access to DABIS payments by 2032. Importantly, other CAP subsidies remain untouched, and small farmers qualifying for simplified payments are exempt.
Policy-wise, this reflects a move to strengthen the CAP’s focus on supporting active, often younger, farmers while phasing out payments to older, retired producers. It emphasizes a shift towards generational renewal, potentially reducing CAP benefits to older farmers and increasing opportunities for newcomers. This shift prioritizes fostering agricultural modernization and succession planning, indirectly increasing EU-level influence in national pension-related agricultural support standards.
Stakeholders affected include pensioner farmers who will lose a financial support stream, young and new farmers potentially gaining land access and funding, Member State social protection systems tasked with pension provisions, and agricultural markets possibly impacted by farming workforce rejuvenation. Pensioners face a significant loss, while younger farmers stand to gain opportunities; governments carry administrative burdens related to implementation.
The Commission’s reply signals a clear policy direction with the CAP proposal under legislative scrutiny, influencing future debates and national adaptations in agricultural and pension policies.