Yes to crisis rules for EU farmers

The EU Parliament says yes to rapidly developed crisis rules to make it easier for the Union’s farmers.

With 425 votes to 130 and 33 abstentions, the changes to the common agricultural policy proposed by the European Commission to provide more flexibility and more exceptions were approved on Wednesday afternoon. Among other things, farms less than ten hectares will avoid checks and penalties for not fully meeting some of the requirements. The measures have been developed after the extensive protests and demonstrations that ravaged large parts of the EU during the spring.

The proposals, which are expected to receive a final formal approval from the member states shortly, are, however, harshly criticized by the green parties in parliament.

“A mistake that has serious consequences for farmers’ survival and our food security. The changes introduced by the commission remove or weaken important parts,” claims Dutch environmentalist Bas Eickhout in a press release.