CAP reform begins to take shape

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the years 2028-2034 is beginning to take shape based on the European Commission's proposal, which was unveiled on July 17, 2025. The proposal outlines the general direction for agricultural support across the European Union, with discussions focusing on budget levels and the renationalization of certain measures.

Negotiations will start in 2027

Negotiations on the next CAP are expected to begin in early 2027, with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union entering in-depth talks. Member States are expected to submit their proposals in the form of national and regional partnership plans (PPNR) as early as spring 2027.

Potential delays and influencing factors

Economist Thierry Pouch notes that the implementation of the new CAP may be delayed by up to one or two years, possibly due to important electoral events in several countries, including France, in 2027. Global geopolitical events, such as those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, could also affect the timeline.

Content of the negotiations

The content of the negotiations could be influenced by several factors, including the post-signing context of the free trade agreement with Mercosur and the exceptional early onset and intensity of this year's drought. The integration of the first "Livestock Strategy" from the European Commission with the CAP is also a point of interest.

France's economic and political situation

France is encountering increasing economic difficulties and is more politically isolated than during previous CAP reforms. A reduced CAP budget for France is expected, and professionals are preparing to take a stand in the negotiations. Unions warn of the risk of an insufficient budget level for France and its inclusion in other non-agricultural funds.

Current budget projections

Work conducted by Chambres d'agriculture France has shown that France's CAP budget, if all levers were implemented in favor of agriculture, would be set at 57.4 billion euros, compared to 65 billion euros for the current programming. The renationalization of CAP measures is also unanimously opposed.

Framework level and conditionality

The European framework level is a main point of discussion. The European Commission proposes that each member state define its own measures based on common objectives, while many voices in the Parliament advocate for a stronger European-level framework.

Capping and degression of aid

Another important subject concerns the capping and degression of the decoupled aid for surface area for income (e.g. DPB). The European Commission proposes an obligation to cap and degress this aid with defined European brackets, but the Council is still uncertain, and Northern countries oppose it.

Coupled aids and budget allocation

Regarding the share of the budget allocated to coupled aids, the European Commission proposes to review the calculation methods and slightly increase the ceiling. In both the Council and the Parliament, the debate remains lively, with France emphasizing this as an important point for ruminant farms, especially dairy ones.

European Livestock Strategy

On July 7, 2026, the European Commission presented its "Livestock Strategy," the first of its kind, aiming to "consolidate the sustainable livestock sector" so that it "remains strong and resilient over time." This document identifies the preparation for crises as the first priority.

Protein action plan

A protein action plan was adopted at the same time, aiming to increase the share of oilseeds and protein crops produced within the EU from 25% to 35% by 2035. This plan will support the production of protein-rich crops in Europe and the diversification of animal feed imports through strategic partnerships in the EU's neighborhood.

Support from agricultural unions

Agricultural unions such as the FNB, FNEC, FNO, and FNPL emphasize the importance of maintaining the coupling towards ruminant farming and strengthening it. They also stress the need to remunerate existing virtuous practices and strengthen environmental aid in favor of livestock farms.

Demands from rural organizations

The Confédération paysanne and Coordination rurale have issued statements demanding support for genuine active farmers, the creation of strategic stocks and crisis reserves, and the implementation of new technical and environmental conditions for farmers.