Brussels provides more room for exceptions due to severe weather

The European Commission is offering more flexibility to Member States to support farmers and growers in extreme weather conditions, allowing them to receive their payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) despite force majeure.

The European Commission is offering Member States more options to give farmers and farmers space in implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) due to extreme weather conditions. The Commission wants to provide affected farmers with certainty that they can still receive their payments under the Common Agricultural Policy, even though they are unable to meet strict conditions, such as planting dates, due to force majeure.

Relaxation in exceptional cases

Usually, there are a lot of limitations in providing space due to exceptional or unexpected events. An exceptional position can be used company-wide. The new relaxation – or effectively adapted interpretation of the existing scheme – allows Member States to offer regional relaxations for severe weather. Farmers and farmers therefore no longer have to individually apply for an exceptional position or prove that they meet force majeure conditions. “This expanded application will reduce the administrative burden on farmers and national governments, allowing Member States to respond more quickly to emergency situations.” According to the European Commission.

Confirm natural disasters

Member States must confirm the occurrence of a natural disaster or hazardous weather event and identify the geographical area affected by this event, the consequences of which could not have been avoided with all due diligence. Evidence can be provided, for example, through satellite images. In some cases, for example, crops and soil types will also be taken into account as these strongly influence the severity of damage.

This broad application would reduce the administrative burden on farmers and national governments, allowing Member States to respond more quickly to emergency situations.

“Farming is one of the occupations most vulnerable to climate change and its consequences. In the event of unexpected extreme weather events, farmers risk losing everything they have worked for. Our clarification today provides assurance that they can still receive their CAP payments even if they are unable to meet all Their usual obligations: “There is no need for extra care when dealing with massive natural disasters,” said Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski.

It is not yet clear how the Netherlands will benefit from these capabilities. Outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Pete Adema, confirms that the current weather conditions have once again made it clear that orthotropic farming does not work. He is in discussions with the LTO about actions to be taken and is sympathetic to that.