FederBio strongly criticizes the proposed CAP reform for 2028-2034 presented yesterday by the European Commission, fully aligning itself with the position of IFOAM Organics Europe, the European federation of the organic movement. The focus of serious concern is the budget's exclusive allocation to income support in the form of area payments, leaving the financing of agri-environmental measures to Member States.
Like IFOAM OE, FederBio reiterates the importance of bindingly allocating no less than 30% of CAP funds to the environment, climate, and animal welfare, to support a clear and stable path towards environmental sustainability and the protection of ecosystem services, including organic farming.
Even one of the aspects we value positively, such as the recognition of the strategic value of organic farming included in the post-2027 CAP, risks failing to produce any concrete results without being tied to a dedicated budget for environmental actions that invest in agroecology, starting with organic production.
Moving from the current funding objective of achieving 25% organic farming to this kind of decision represents an incomprehensible contradiction.
“ We consider this proposal on the CAP to be a serious step backwards in terms of sustainability and the transition towards agroecological models - Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio, emphasizes: " In addition to cutting CAP funding at a time of great difficulty for all farmers, the decision to allocate budget resources exclusively to area payments not only penalizes organic farmers but is also inadequate for enhancing rural and inland areas and responding to the environmental and social challenges of the coming years. Without a clear focus on sustainability, the CAP risks sparking a dangerous race to the bottom among Member States, with serious consequences for food sovereignty and a progressive disengagement from environmental policies. The significant challenges farmers are facing must be addressed with innovative approaches, such as agroecology, local food production and consumption systems that put farmers and citizens at the center. Focusing on organic farming offers collective benefits, such as protecting health and biodiversity, improving profitability, encouraging female employment and generational turnover, and revitalizing rural areas." This is why we call for CAP funds to be clearly linked to environmental protection, the fight against climate change, and animal welfare, in support of a genuine ecological transition. Without adequate economic incentives, sustainability risks remaining a marginal option rather than becoming the strategic choice for the future.
