The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes the CAP simplification package as a practical and overdue step towards reducing the bureaucratic burden on farmers and rural businesses.

By cutting red tape and restoring flexibility, the measures respond directly to long-standing concerns from the agricultural sector and offer tangible relief on the ground.

“The package delivers real, day-to-day improvements for farmers and agri-businesses. It significantly reduces red tape, cuts unnecessary checks and strengthens support for small farms, young farmers and rural entrepreneurs”, said Veronika Vrecionová, ECR shadow rapporteur and Chair of the Committee on Agriculture.

Until now, small farms can receive around €1,250 per year, but still have to cope with complex rules, paperwork and frequent controls. From 2026, farms will be able to receive up to €3,000 per year, while being exempt from most administrative rules and on-farm inspections. This means fewer forms to fill in, fewer visits from inspectors and more time to focus on actual farming. A mixed farm of 25 hectares that today must navigate detailed rules and the risk of penalties for minor errors will, under the new rules, be largely exempt from these controls, bringing greater certainty and predictability for farmers.

Ms Vrecionová said: “This vote is a small but practical Christmas present for farmers. It won’t solve everything, but it clearly moves the CAP in a more practical, farmer-friendly direction.”

She added: “We are cutting unnecessary red tape, protecting small farms and giving Member States more flexibility, all while keeping food production and rural businesses at the center.”

And looking ahead, she said: “These rules apply only for 2026–2028. I hope they are just the beginning. Farmers deserve even bolder simplification in the next CAP reform after 2028.”

The ECR Group supported the agreement because it makes farmers’ lives easier now, while sending a clear political signal