The EU is preparing to revamp its support for agriculture. Poland says “no”

Work on the new Common Agricultural Policy for 2028–2034 is underway. The first information presented during the meeting of the Parliamentary subcommittee for the CAP shows that farmers may face significant changes in the way EU support is granted.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jacek Czerniak announced that the European Commission has already presented proposals regarding the future agricultural financing system. The most important change would consist in abandoning the current division of the CAP into two pillars and combining various policies into one financial mechanism.

Subsidies for farmers after 2027

The new proposals would mean a profound reconstruction of the current model. The concept of direct payments, which today constitute the basis for support for many farms, no longer appears in Commission documents.

Instead, it is a broader “income support” that covers various forms of assistance. This model is intended to provide greater flexibility, but at the same time raises concerns about the transparency and stability of the system.

Poland opposes changes

The Ministry of Agriculture is skeptical about the European Commission’s proposals. Poland supports maintaining a two-pillar agricultural policy and an appropriate budget for farmers.

According to Deputy Minister Czerniak, about 20 member states take a similar position. This may increase the chances of blocking some of the proposals or at least softening them in the course of further negotiations.

What rates are being considered?

The European Commission’s project assumes the introduction of degressive area income support. The aid would be directed primarily to the most needy farmers, including young ones.

The average amount of support per hectare will range from EUR 130 to EUR 240. However, this does not include other forms of aid, such as payments for small farms, coupled support or environmental and climate payments. For comparison, the current average amount of all direct payments in Poland is EUR 263 per hectare.

Farmers are afraid of competition for funds

During the meeting, there were voices of concern from representatives of agricultural organizations. It was pointed out that agriculture may be given less priority than other sectors.

Farmers are also afraid that in the new perspective they will have to compete with local governments for funds. The ministry admits that this would be a problem, but assures that appropriate allocation of money for the CAP should limit such risk.

Eco-schemes are to be continued

The Ministry reassures us that eco-schemes will not disappear, although they may function in a changed formula. In the projects they are included together with environmental and agri-environmental payments.

Final decisions have not been made yet. According to preliminary calculations, Poland is to receive EUR 24.6 billion, plus additional funds for rural areas and a flexibility fund. In total, this amounts to approximately EUR 42.3 billion for the CAP and rural development. The government declares that it will fight to maintain at least the current level of support.