The EU Council has published a document dated 1 September 2026 outlining strategies and provisions for managing agricultural risks and crises under the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The document, based on a Council meeting on 1 August 2026, introduces new risk management tools, ex-post crisis payments, and mandatory support for risk management systems, aiming to bolster the resilience of EU agriculture against extreme weather and market volatility.
Key Provisions for Risk Management
The document details several policy measures. It introduces risk management tools that allow alternative loss calculations for young and new farmers, providing tailored support. Ex-post crisis payments for farmers affected by natural disasters will offer higher support to those who are insured. Member states will be required to provide mandatory support for risk management tools unless they can demonstrate effective national systems. The provisions also strengthen flexibility in loss calculation methods to accommodate diverse farming conditions and include investments in production restoration following natural disasters.
Impact on Stakeholders
The measures are expected to increase the resilience of agricultural systems, potentially reducing economic losses. Small and medium-sized farms may benefit from tailored provisions, while insured farmers receive higher crisis support. However, the mandatory nature of risk management support could impose administrative burdens on member states and require adjustments to national schemes. EU producers will gain access to new tools but may face compliance costs, while consumers could see more stable food prices due to reduced supply disruptions.
Institutional Follow-Up
The document serves as an information note from the Council, outlining orientations for the post-2027 CAP. Further legislative proposals are expected from the European Commission, with the European Parliament set to debate the provisions. The Council's stance will be negotiated in trilogues to finalise the CAP reform package.
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