The CAP 2028–2034 proposal explained: fairer, better targeted income support for farmers

Direct payments to farmers make up an average of 19% of a farmer's income in the EU. The European Commission's proposal for the Common Agricultural Policy from 2028 onwards sets out a fairer, more targeted system of income support for farmers. With a focus on flexibility and future generations, the proposal simplifies the current framework and targets public funds towards those who need them most.

Stronger, fairer supports for farmers

Under the proposed National and Regional Partnership Fund (EUR 865 billion), at least EUR 293.7 billion will go directly to support farmers' incomes. This will ensure financial stability across the Union. A further EUR 453 billion will be available through National and Regional Partnership Plans for strengthening income support measures, innovation, and rural initiatives such as LEADER and local cooperation. In addition, a Unity Safety Net worth EUR 6.3 billion will help alleviate market crises between 2028 and 2034.

A new approach: Degressive Area-Based Income Support (DABIS)

At the core of the proposal is the Degressive Area-Based Income Support (DABIS), a simpler and fairer scheme replacing several current CAP payment systems. It provides payments based on eligible hectares but introduces degressivity. This gradually reduces payments for larger farms to promote a fairer distribution of support. A capping of payments at EUR 100 000 per farm per year will also apply.

Member States will have the flexibility to design supports according to farmers' specificities and local needs and combine area-based payments with lump sums or top-ups. The system will prioritise those whose main livelihood is agriculture. By 2032, pensioners will no longer be eligible, allowing younger farmers to enter or expand in the sector.

Supporting small farmers, young farmers and female farmers

Smaller farms will have simplified access to support, including an optional annual payment of up to EUR 3 000. Meanwhile, young farmers will benefit from targeted start-up measures and area-based top-ups, aligned with the upcoming Strategy on Generational Renewal.

The proposal also encourages Member States to strengthen support for female farmers, through dedicated annual payments or bonuses such as those that already exist in some Member States.

Promoting competitiveness and sustainability

Beyond DABIS, the proposal allows Member States to use coupled income support and area-specific payments to assist farms in disadvantaged or mountainous areas and those with mixed crop-livestock operations, as well as offering financial incentives for farmers applying or transitioning to more sustainable farming practices. Altogether, the CAP 2028-2034 package aims to deliver a fairer, more competitive, sustainable and resilient European agriculture, that sustains farmers' livelihoods while fostering generational renewal and rural vitality across the EU.