The ECR Group welcomes new measures proposed to ease conditionality rules, increase lump-sum payments for small farms, simplify controls, and promote fairer contracts in the food chain.

However, the conservative lawmakers are urging the European Commission to build on this momentum and deliver further progress in the future.

Speaking ahead of the vote in plenary, ECR Coordinator in the Committee on Agriculture (AGRI) Carlo Fidanza said:

“The provisions send out the right signal to farmers. We are introducing tangible measures to improve their position in the supply chain and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. Europe needs a farming policy that prioritises production, income and viability — not the failed ideology of the Green Deal.”

Bert-Jan Ruissen, the ECR shadow rapporteur on strengthening farmers’ position in the food supply chain, said that the reforms go in the right direction but that farmers’ room to manoeuvre must be further expanded if the sector is to remain attractive:

“It is good to see that the Commission is finally taking farmers seriously. Simplifying the CAP and strengthening the farmers’ position helps, but freedom to farm and fair competition are just as important. Rules should empower farmers — not entangle them.”

Veronika Vrecionová, Chair of the AGRI Committee and ECR shadow rapporteur on the conditionality file, said that the reforms show progress but more must be done to ensure real competitiveness:

“Both proposals promise simplification, and I welcome the flexibility, support for small farms and new tools for crisis assistance. But if European agriculture is to remain competitive, this process must continue. True simplification means deregulation — fewer obstacles and more trust in those who know their work best.”

For the ECR Group, these changes represent a significant step towards a more pragmatic and balanced CAP, but deeper reform must take root if European agriculture is to remain competitive, productive and free from unnecessary bureaucracy.