The amendment seeks to end the current practice of linking most direct payments to the area farmed—a system that systematically favours large agribusinesses and disadvantages small and medium-sized farms. MEP Anja Arndt (ESN Group) explained:
“We want a fairer allocation of funds that specifically strengthens food security, regional diversity and ecological sustainability in European agriculture. The figures speak for themselves. With our amendment, we are laying the foundation to halt the ongoing loss of family farms. It’s high time to support those who work in harmony with people, animals and nature—rather than large landowners who benefit from an imbalanced subsidy regime.”
Dr Marc Jongen, also of the ESN Group, added:
“This decision is a milestone for our farmers, who are not all large landowners. We need an agricultural policy that rewards performance and responsibility—not merely the size of the holding. Our amendment brings more fairness into the funding system.”
Today’s adoption of the amendment sends a strong signal to the Commission and the Member States: redistributing funds toward the true performers in agriculture is both possible—and urgently necessary
