### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving decoupled payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the decoupled direct payments contribute . in order to guarantee a minimum level of agricultural income support for all genuine farmers , as well as to comply with the treaty objective in ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community , an annual area - based decoupled payment should be established as the type of intervention ‘ basic income support for sustainability’ . in order to enhance better targeting of this support , the payment amounts can be differentiated , by groups of territories , based on socio - economic and / or agronomic conditions . in view of avoiding disruptive effects for farmers ' income , member states may choose to implement the basic income support for sustainability based on payment entitlements . in this case , the value of payment entitlements before any further convergence should be proportional to their value as established under the basic payment schemes pursuant to regulation no 1307 / 2013 , taking also into account the payments for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . member states should also achieve further convergence in order to continue to move progressively away from historical values . ### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving direct payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the direct payments contribute . in view of the existence of coupled payments that are not linked to area , and also taking into consideration the existence of the sometimes considerable variations in payments per hectare , a threshold based solely on the number of hectares would be ineffective , and therefore the possibility should also be provided of implementing a minimum payments amount .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define equivalent practices or certification systems having a beneficial impact on the climate and the environment which is similar to or better than the impact of one or more gaec practices .


### boosting products ' commercial value and quality , including improving product quality and developing products with a protected designation of origin , with a protected geographical indication or covered by a national quality schemes ; those objectives relate to the specific objective set out in point of article 6 ; ### boosting products ' commercial value and quality , including improving processing and product quality and developing products with a protected designation of origin , with a protected geographical indication , eco - labelling or covered by a public or private quality scheme ; those objectives relate to the specific objective set out in point of article 6 ;


### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment and contribute to territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing the other direct payments by providing a round some payment for small farmers . ### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment and contribute to territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing direct payments by providing a round some payment . however , with a view to further reducing the administrative burden , member states must be authorised to automatically include certain farmers , initially , within the simplified scheme , offering them the possibility of withdrawing from it by a specific deadline . in line with the principle of proportionality , the member states must be given the possibility of exempting small farmers that participate in the simplified scheme from cross - compliance checks .


### member states shall notify the commission annually of the number of beehives in their territory . ### member states shall notify the commission annually of the number of beehives and / or bee colonies in their territory .


### the annual performance reports , as well as a summary for citizens of their content , shall be made available to the public . ### a summary of the content of the multiannual performance reports shall be produced for citizens and made available to the public .


### the annual performance reports , as well as a summary for citizens of their content , shall be made available to the public . ### the triennial performance reports shall be made available to the public .


### member states may , in 2023 , review their decisions referred to in paragraph 6 as part of a request for amendment of their cap strategic plans , referred to in article 107 . ### member states may review their decisions referred to in paragraph 6 as part of a request for amendment of their cap strategic plans , referred to in article 107 .


### where elements of the cap strategic plan are established at regional level , the member state shall ensure the coherence and the consistency with the elements of the cap strategic plan established at national level . ### where elements of the cap strategic plan are established and implemented at regional level via regional intervention programmes , at regional level , the member state shall ensure the coherence and the consistency with the elements of the cap strategic plan .


### member states shall grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk management tools , which help genuine farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states may grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk management tools , which help genuine farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are not foreseen outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### member states shall provide support for voluntary schemes for the climate and the environment under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may operate voluntary schemes for the climate and the environment under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate risk management tools , insurance premia and mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eafrd . the category of mutual funds encompasses both those linked to production losses , and the general and sector - specific income stabilisation tools , linked to income losses . ### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate risk management tools , insurance premia and mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eafrd . the category of mutual funds encompasses both those linked to production losses , and the general and sector - specific income stabilisation tools , linked to income losses . however , the compatibility of eardf - financed interventions with national risk management systems must be ensured .


### 80% for management commitments referred to in article 65 of this regulation , for payments under article 67 of this regulation , for non - productive investments referred to in article 68 of this regulation , for support for the european innovation partnership under article 71 of this regulation and for the leader , referred to as community - led local development in article 25 of regulation [ cpr ] ; ### 90% for management commitments referred to in article 65 of this regulation , for payments under article 67 of this regulation , for investments referred to in article 68 of this regulation , which are linked to reforestation and the specific environmental and climate objectives referred to by points , and of article&#160 ; 6 , for the operations covered in point of article&#160 ; 69 , for support to the european innovation partnership under article 71 of this regulation and for the leader , referred to as community - led local development in article 25 of regulation [ cpr ] , for the regions referred to by article&#160 ; 135 of this regulations , for operations under article&#160 ; 72 , for operations that are supported through financial instruments , for the measures under article&#160 ; 72a and for depopulated regions .


### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisors , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems . ### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisors , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems or other similar networks established in the member states .


### installation of young farmers and rural business start - up ### installation of young farmers , new farmers and rural business start - up ;


### commitments shall be undertaken for a period of five to seven years . however , where necessary in order to achieve or maintain certain environmental benefits sought , member states may determine a longer period in the cap strategic plan for particular types of commitments , including by means of providing for their annual extension after the termination of the initial period . in exceptional and duly justified cases , and for new commitments directly following the commitment performed in the initial period , member states may determine a shorter period in their cap strategic plans . ### commitments shall be undertaken for a period of five to seven years . however , where necessary in order to achieve or maintain certain environmental benefits sought , member states may determine a longer period in the cap strategic plan for particular types of commitments , including by means of providing for their annual extension after the termination of the initial period . in duly justified cases , and for new commitments directly following the commitment performed in the initial period , member states may determine a shorter period of no less than one year in their cap strategic plans .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework .


### tangible and intangible investments in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , as well as marketing structures and tools ; ### tangible or intangible investments : in winegrowing enterprises , with the exception of operations falling under the type of intervention described in point of article 52 ; in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , as well as marketing structures and tools .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden on beneficiaries . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and common requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . nevertheless , in order to ensure that such subsidiarity does not translate into a renationalisation of the cap , this regulation must include a strong body of european union provisions designed to prevent the distortion of competition and ensure non - discriminatory treatment for all community farmers throughout eu territory .


### support for eco - schemes shall take the form of an annual payment per eligible hectare and it shall be granted as either : ### support for voluntary climate - related and environmental schemes shall take the form of an annual payment , including flat rate payments , per eligible hectare or per holding and it shall be granted as either :


### member states shall allocate payment entitlements to , or increase the value of the existing payment entitlements of genuine farmers who are entitled by virtue of a definitive court ruling or by virtue of a definitive administrative act of the competent authority of a member state . member states shall ensure that those genuine farmers receive the number and value of payment entitlements established in that ruling or act at a date to be fixed by the member state . ### member states shall allocate payment entitlements to , or increase the value of the existing payment entitlements of farmers who are entitled by virtue of a definitive court ruling or by virtue of a definitive administrative act of the competent authority of a member state . member states shall ensure that those farmers receive the number and value of payment entitlements established in that ruling or act at a date to be fixed by the member state .


### member states shall establish an amount per hectare or different amounts for different ranges of hectares , as well as the maximum number of hectares per farmer for which the redistributive income support shall be paid . ### member states shall establish a redistributive payment equivalent to an amount per hectare or different amounts for different ranges of hectares , and may differentiate those amounts in accordance with the territories defined pursuant to article 18 . that amount shall not be greater than 25% of the basic income support for sustainability , in accordance with the national or territory average , defined in accordance with article 18 , multiplied by the number of eligible hectares declared by the farmer . the number of eligible hectares shall not exceed the maximum laid down by member states , which shall not be greater than 30 hectares or the national average size of farms or the average size in accordance with the territories defined pursuant to article 18 .


### member states shall grant support in the form of lump sums . support shall be limited to the maximum amount of eur 100 000 and may be combined with financial instruments . ### member states shall grant support in the form of lump sums which may be differentiated in accordance with objective criteria . support shall be limited to the maximum amount of eur 100 000 and may be combined with financial instruments .


### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles ### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment or which are not consistent with climate , environment , animal welfare and biodiversity objectives . investments that generate both economic and environmental benefits should be emphasised . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of more specific exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles . member states should ensure that authorities play an active role on ecology and management of forest fires in any afforestation or reforestation action and strengthen the role of soft preventive measures and land use management .


### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . ### member states shall ensure fair redistribution of support by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 .


### payments compensating beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs incurred and income foregone as a result of the commitments as set pursuant to article 65 . ### payments compensating beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs incurred and income foregone as a result of the commitments made pursuant to this article .


### implementation of union and national quality schemes ; ### implementation and control of union and national quality schemes ;


### where member states having applied the basic payment scheme as laid down in section 1 of chapter i of title iii of regulation no 1307 / 2013 decide not to grant the basic income support based on payment entitlements , the payment entitlements allocated under regulation no 1307 / 2013 shall expire on 31 december 2020 . ### where member states having applied the basic payment scheme as laid down in section 1 of chapter i of title iii of regulation no 1307 / 2013 decide not to grant the basic income support based on payment entitlements , the payment entitlements allocated under regulation no 1307 / 2013 shall expire on 31 december 202x .


### mechanisms should be in place to take action to protect the union’s financial interests in case the cap strategic plan implementation deviates significantly from the targets set . member states may thus be asked to submit action plans in case of significant and non - justified underperformance . this could lead to suspensions and , in the end , reductions of the union funds if the planned results are not achieved . moreover , an overall performance bonus is established as part of the incentive mechanism based on allocating the performance bonus , in view of encouraging good environmental and climate performances . ### mechanisms should be in place to take action to protect the union’s financial interests in case the cap strategic plan implementation deviates significantly from the targets set . member states may thus be asked to submit action plans in case of significant and non - justified underperformance . this could lead to suspensions and , in the end , reductions of the union funds if the planned results are not achieved .


### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 2% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 . ### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers’ set out in point of article 6 , to dedicate at least 4% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 .


### the last annual performance report , to be submitted by 15 february 2030 , shall comprise a summary of the evaluations carried out during the implementation period . ### the last performance report , to be submitted by 30 june 2030 , shall comprise a summary of the evaluations carried out during the implementation period .


### implementation and management of third country phytosanitary protocols in the territory of the union to facilitate access to third country markets ; ### negotiation , implementation and management of third country phytosanitary protocols in the territory of the union to facilitate access to third country markets ;


### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans . ### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans . in proceeding with cap strategic plans , it is necessary to ensure the involvement of farmers and farmers ' organisations at every stage .


### member states shall use the most recent and most reliable data for this assessment . ### member states shall use the most recent and most reliable data for this assessment , including up to date information about any stage of an infringement procedure , and recently closed cases , related to these environmental and climate plans which effectively transpose the union legislation . in order to contribute to union objectives , in case of infringement , the measures proposed by the plan that is subject to infringement shall not be considered by the needs assessment and shall not be approved for financing .


### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the essential elements should be set out at union level . ### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with common elements should be set out at union level .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of agricultural holdings , where appropriate enabling them to increase their competitiveness , and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for farming practices and systems such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , environmental certification schemes and organic farming , integrated production , conservation agriculture or digital agriculture .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden on beneficiaries . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and common requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . nevertheless , in order to ensure that such subsidiarity does not translate into a renationalisation of the cap , this regulation must include a strong body of european union provisions designed to prevent the distortion of competition and ensure non - discriminatory treatment for all community farmers throughout eu territory .


### considering that flexibility should be accorded to member states as regards the choice of delegating part of the implementation of the cap strategic plan at regional level on the basis of a national framework , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges , it is appropriate that the cap strategic plans provide a description of the interplay between national and regional interventions . ### considering that flexibility should be accorded to member states as regards the choice of delegating part of the design and implementation of the cap strategic plan at regional level via regional intervention programs in coherence with the national framework , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges , it is appropriate that the cap strategic plans provide a description of the interplay between national and regional interventions .


### each cap strategic plan shall cover the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 . ### each cap strategic plan shall cover the period from 1 january 2022 to 31 december 2027 .


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set an area threshold or a minimum limit for direct payments and only grant direct payments to genuine farmers whose direct payment areas or volumes equal or exceed those thresholds .


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set a minimum total amount of direct payments claimed or to be granted in a calendar year and / or a minimum eligible holding area and shall only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers if the amount of direct payments or the eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond these thresholds .


### implementation of union and national quality schemes ; ### implementation of union quality schemes and other public and private schemes ;


### soil conservation , including the enhancement of soil carbon ; ### soil conservation and rebuilding soil fertility and structure , including the enhancement of soil carbon sequestration ;


### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including contributing to improvement of sustainable production systems and reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and of article 6 ; ; ### improve the economic sustainability and competitiveness of union wine producers , in line with points , and of article 6 ;


### member states shall organise each year an annual review meeting with the commission , to be chaired jointly or by the commission , which will take place not earlier than two months after the submission of the annual performance report . ### member states shall organize&#160 ; in every three&#160 ; years a&#160 ; review meeting with the commission , to be chaired jointly , which will take place not earlier than two months after the submission of the&#160 ; triennial performance report .


### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving decoupled payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the decoupled direct payments contribute . in order to guarantee a minimum level of agricultural income support for all genuine farmers , as well as to comply with the treaty objective in ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community , an annual area - based decoupled payment should be established as the type of intervention ‘ basic income support for sustainability’ . in order to enhance better targeting of this support , the payment amounts can be differentiated , by groups of territories , based on socio - economic and / or agronomic conditions . in view of avoiding disruptive effects for farmers ' income , member states may choose to implement the basic income support for sustainability based on payment entitlements . in this case , the value of payment entitlements before any further convergence should be proportional to their value as established under the basic payment schemes pursuant to regulation no 1307 / 2013 , taking also into account the payments for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . member states should also achieve further convergence in order to continue to move progressively away from historical values . ### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving direct payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the direct payments contribute . in view of the existence of coupled payments that are not linked to area , and also taking into consideration the existence of the sometimes considerable variations in payments per hectare , a threshold based solely on the number of hectares would be ineffective , and therefore the possibility should also be provided of implementing a minimum payments amount .


### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving decoupled payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the decoupled direct payments contribute . in order to guarantee a minimum level of agricultural income support for all genuine farmers , as well as to comply with the treaty objective in ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community , an annual area - based decoupled payment should be established as the type of intervention ‘ basic income support for sustainability’ . in order to enhance better targeting of this support , the payment amounts can be differentiated , by groups of territories , based on socio - economic and / or agronomic conditions . in view of avoiding disruptive effects for farmers ' income , member states may choose to implement the basic income support for sustainability based on payment entitlements . in this case , the value of payment entitlements before any further convergence should be proportional to their value as established under the basic payment schemes pursuant to regulation no 1307 / 2013 , taking also into account the payments for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . member states should also achieve further convergence in order to continue to move progressively away from historical values . ### union legislation should provide that member states should set requirements in terms of minimum area for receiving decoupled payments in their cap strategic plan . such requirements should relate to the need to avoid the excessive administrative burden caused by managing numerous payments of small amounts and to that of ensuring an effective contribution of the support to the objectives of the cap to which the decoupled direct payments contribute . in order to guarantee a minimum level of agricultural income support for all genuine farmers , as well as to comply with the treaty objective in ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community , an annual area - based decoupled payment should be established as the type of intervention ‘ basic income support for sustainability’ . in order to enhance better targeting of this support , the payment amounts can be differentiated , by groups of territories , based on socio - economic and / or agronomic conditions . in view of avoiding disruptive effects for farmers ' income , member states may choose to implement the basic income support for sustainability based on payment entitlements . in this case , the value of payment entitlements before any further convergence should be proportional to their value as established under the basic payment schemes pursuant to regulation no 1307 / 2013 , taking also into account the payments for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . member states should also achieve further convergence in order to move progressively to full convergence by 2026 .


### advisory services and technical assistance , in particular regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation ; ### advisory services and technical assistance , in particular regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation ; and combating pests and animal diseases ;


### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 2% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 . ### as part of their obligation to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 , member states shall dedicate at least 4% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 to provide support for young farmers who have set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 .


### in regions of the member states in which the degree of organisation of producers in the fruit and vegetables sector is significantly below the union average , member states may grant producer organisations recognised under regulation no 1308 / 2013 national financial assistance equal to a maximum of 80% of the financial contributions referred to in point of article 45 and up to 10% of the value of the marketed production of any such producer organisation . the national financial assistance shall be additional to the operational fund . ### in regions of the member states in which the degree of organisation of producers in the fruit and vegetables sector is significantly below the union average , member states may grant producer organisations recognised under regulation no 1308 / 2013 national financial assistance equal to a maximum of 30% of the financial contributions referred to in point of article 45 . the national financial assistance shall be additional to the operational fund . the figures in article 46 shall apply to products marketed by these producer organisations .


### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the essential elements should be set out at union level . ### in order to ensure consistency between direct payment types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal which is of critical importance , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer ' with the essential broad elements should be set out at union level , which should not be restrictive in order to facilitate new entrants into agriculture and reflect the realities on the ground in the member states .


### research and development of sustainable production methods , including pest resilience , innovative practices and production techniques boosting economic competitiveness and bolstering market developments ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ; ### research and development of sustainable production methods , including resilience to pests and animal diseases , improved biosecurity and reduction of antimicrobials , as well as innovative practices and production techniques boosting economic competitiveness and bolstering market developments ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ;


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 supplementing this regulation with measures to protect any acquired rights and legitimate expectations of beneficiaries to the extent necessary for the transition from the arrangements provided for in regulations no 1305 / 2013 and no 1307 / 2013 to those laid down in this regulation . those transitional rules shall in particular lay down the conditions under which support approved by the commission under regulation no 1305 / 2013 may be integrated into support provided for under this regulation , including for technical assistance and for the ex post evaluations . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 supplementing this regulation with measures to protect any acquired rights and legitimate expectations of beneficiaries to the extent necessary for the transition from the arrangements provided for in regulations no 1305 / 2013 , no 1307 / 2013 and no 1308 / 2013 to those laid down in this regulation . those transitional rules shall in particular lay down the conditions under which support approved by the commission under regulation no 1305 / 2013 , regulation no 1307 / 2013 and regulation no 1308 / 2013 may be integrated into support provided for under this regulation , including for technical assistance and for the ex post evaluations , until the cap strategic plan is approved . should this regulation not entry into force on 1 january 2021 , the transitional rules shall take immediate effect .


### in order to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a single contribution rate for support from the eafrd should be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in order to take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contribution rates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order to mitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , the remoteness and insularity , an appropriate eafrd contribution rate should be set for less developed regions , the outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands . ### in order to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a general contribution rate for support from the eafrd should be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in order to take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contribution rates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order to mitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , the remoteness and insularity of the outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands as defined in article 1 of regulation no 229 / 2013 and the specific disadvantages for the rest of the island regions , a higher eafrd contribution rate should be set for those regions .


### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , genuine farmer and young farmer : ### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , genuine farmer , young farmer and new farmer :


### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 . ### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions of all types addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation .


### member states shall grant genuine farmers holding owned or leased - in payment entitlements basic income support upon activation of those payment entitlements . member states shall ensure that for the purpose of the activation of payment entitlements genuine farmers declare the eligible hectares accompanying any payment entitlement . ### member states shall grant farmers holding owned or leased - in payment entitlements basic income support upon activation of those payment entitlements . member states shall ensure that for the purpose of the activation of payment entitlements genuine farmers declare the eligible hectares accompanying any payment entitlement .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation and to avoid unfair competition or discrimination between farmers , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission as regards the fixing of reference areas for the support for oilseeds , rules for the authorisation of land and varieties for the purposes of the crop - specific payment for cotton and related notifications , the calculation of the reduction where the eligible area of cotton exceeds the base area , the union financial assistance for distillation of by - products of wine - making , the annual breakdown by member state of the total amount of union support for types of interventions for rural development , rules on the presentation of the elements to be included in the cap strategic plan , rules on the procedure and time limits for the approval of cap strategic plans and the submission and approval of requests for amendment of cap strategic plans , uniform conditions for the application of the information and publicity requirements relating to the possibilities offered by the cap strategic plans , rules relating to the performance , monitoring and evaluation framework , rules for the presentation of the content of the annual performance report , rules on the information to be sent by the member states for the performance assessment by the commission and rules on the data needs and synergies between potential data sources , and arrangements to ensure a consistent approach for determining the attribution of the performance bonus to member states . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council . 22 . _________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation and to avoid unfair competition or discrimination between farmers , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission as regards the fixing of reference areas for the support for oilseeds , rules for the authorisation of land and varieties for the purposes of the crop - specific payment for cotton and related notifications , the calculation of the reduction where the eligible area of cotton exceeds the base area , the union financial assistance for distillation of by - products of wine - making , and the methanisation and composting of the residues of wine - making , the annual breakdown by member state of the total amount of union support for types of interventions for rural development , rules on the presentation of the elements to be included in the cap strategic plan , rules on the procedure and time limits for the approval of cap strategic plans and the submission and approval of requests for amendment of cap strategic plans , uniform conditions for the application of the information and publicity requirements relating to the possibilities offered by the cap strategic plans , rules relating to the performance , monitoring and evaluation framework , rules for the presentation of the content of the annual performance report , rules on the information to be sent by the member states for the performance assessment by the commission and rules on the data needs and synergies between potential data sources , and arrangements to ensure a consistent approach for determining the attribution of the performance bonus to member states . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council 22 . _________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers


### member states shall grant support for risk management tools under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may grant support for risk management tools under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### member states shall include in the cap strategic plan a system providing services for advising farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support on land management and farm management . ### member states shall retain existing services for advising farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support on land management and farm management , or shall establish new ones in accordance with their respective specific circumstances . a brief description of this system shall be included in the cap strategic plan .


### member states may only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone related to the natural or other area - specific constraints in the area concerned . ### where member states identify in their cap strategic plans varying levels of constraint they may decide to differentiate the amount of support per hectare granted to beneficiaries ; the compensation shall be proportional to the severity of the constraints identified . member states may only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone related to the natural or other area - specific constraints in the area concerned . member states shall ensure that the relevant calculations are adequate , accurate and established in advance on the basis of a fair , equitable and verifiable calculation method .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the common elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , should not be precluded , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . the framework definition must , in any event , help to preserve the model of family farming that exists in the european union and must be based on a credible agricultural activity .


### member states shall establish an amount per hectare or different amounts for different ranges of hectares , as well as the maximum number of hectares per farmer for which the redistributive income support shall be paid . ### member states may establish an amount per hectare or different amounts for different ranges of hectares , as well as the maximum number of hectares per farmer for which the redistributive income support shall be paid .


### 28schemes for the climate and the environment ### 28climate and environment payment


### member states may grant payments to small farmers as defined by member states by way of a round sum , replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter . member states shall design the corresponding intervention in the cap strategic plan as optional for the farmers . ### member states may introduce a simplified scheme for small farmers requesting support of up to eur 1 250 for an area of no more than 10 hectares . this arrangement may comprise a lump sum replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter or aid per hectare , which can be differentiated among territories according to article 18 ; member states shall indicate in the cap strategic plan that the corresponding intervention is voluntary for farmers . the total area for lump - sum payments to small producers must not exceed 15% of the total area of a member state .


### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food and rural areas and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives : ### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food production and rural areas and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives in the economic , environmental and social spheres :


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries with more than [ x ] ha , as defined by the member states , for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including farm size and structure , soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation and farming practices .


### member states may grant payments to small farmers as defined by member states by way of a round sum , replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter . member states shall design the corresponding intervention in the cap strategic plan as optional for the farmers . ### member states may grant payments to small farmers as defined by member states by way of a lump sum , replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter . member states shall design the corresponding intervention in the cap strategic plan as optional for the farmers . beneficiaries of the small farmers scheme are totally exempted from conditionality requirements .


### where applicable , an analysis of the specific needs of vulnerable geographical areas , such as the outermost regions ; ### where applicable , an analysis of the specific needs of vulnerable geographical areas ;


### other sectors referred to in points to , , , to and of article 1 of regulation no 1308 / 2013 . ### other sectors : referred to in points to , , , to and of article 1 of regulation no 1308 / 2013 ; protein crops .


### the managing authority and the monitoring committee shall monitor the implementation of the cap strategic plan and progress made towards achieving the targets of the cap strategic plan on the basis of the output and result indicators . ### the managing authority and the monitoring committee shall monitor , according to their territorial competence , the implementation of the cap strategic plan and progress made towards achieving the targets of the cap strategic plan and , where appropriate , of the regional intervention programs , on the basis of the output and result indicators .


### attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas ### attract young farmers , new farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas ;


### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the essential elements should be set out at union level . ### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the common elements should be set out at union level , in accordance with regulation nº 2016 / 0282b


### where support under this type of interventions is granted to agri - environment - climate commitments , commitments to convert to or maintain organic farming practices and methods as defined in regulation no 834 / 2007 and forest environmental and climate services , member states shall establish a payment per hectare . ### where support under this type of interventions is granted to agri - environment - climate commitments , commitments to convert to or maintain organic farming practices and methods as defined in regulation no 834 / 2007 creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems , and forest environmental and climate services , member states shall establish a payment per hectare .


### member sates shall limit the support to the maximum rate of 70% of the eligible costs . ### member states shall limit the support to the maximum rate of 80% of the eligible costs .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 4% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . for new entrants who do not meet the conditions to be classified as young farmers , member states may make additional resources available that are not reserved for young farmers . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established .


### tangible and intangible investments in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , as well as marketing structures and tools ; ### tangible or intangible investments : in winegrowing enterprises , with the exception of operations falling under the type of intervention described in point of article 52 ; in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , as well as marketing structures and tools .


### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way . ### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers and groups of farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way .


### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including contributing to improvement of sustainable production systems and reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and of article 6 ; ; ### improve the economic sustainability and competitiveness of union wine producers , in line with points , and of article 6 ;


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on one or more conditions such as income tests , the farmer ' s age with regard to national provisions on the statutory retirement age , labour inputs on the farm , company object and / or inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas .


### bolstering environmental care and climate action and contributing to the achievement of union environmental - and climate - related objectives is a very high priority in the future of union agriculture and forestry . the architecture of the cap should therefore reflect greater ambition with respect to these objectives . by virtue of the delivery model , action taken to tackle environmental degradation and climate change should be result - driven and article 11 tfeu should , for this purpose , be considered as an obligation of result . as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### supporting and improving environmental protection , biodiversity and genetic diversity in the agricultural system , as well as climate action and contributing to the achievement of union environmental - and climate - related objectives is a very high priority in the future of union agriculture and forestry . the architecture of the cap should therefore reflect greater ambition with respect to these objectives . by virtue of the delivery model , action taken to tackle environmental degradation and climate change should be result - driven and article 11 tfeu should , for this purpose , be considered as an obligation of result . as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal , increased integration of women into the rural economy , and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas , while conserving natural resources . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### in respect of the main objectives laid down in annex iii member states may prescribe standards additional to those laid down in that annex against those main objectives . however , member states shall not define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii . ### in respect of the main objectives laid down in annex iii member states may not prescribe standards additional to those laid down in that annex against those main objectives . nor shall member states define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii , in order to maintain consistency in the implementation of the cap .


### at least 20% of expenditure under operational programs covers the interventions linked to the objectives referred to in points and of article 42 ; ### at least 10% of expenditure under operational programs covers the interventions linked to the objectives referred to in points and of article 41a or operational programmes include two or more environmental actions ;


### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans . ### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . this process should however not harm in any way the communality of the policy . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans .


### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall primarily be used to contribute to the financing of the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments . ### the estimated product of the reduction of payments may primarily be used to contribute to the interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments .


### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall primarily be used to contribute to the financing of the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments . ### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall be prioritised to finance the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments .


### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . ### member states may ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive and degressive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 .


### those practices shall be designed to meet one or more of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives laid down in points , and of article 6 . ### those agricultural practices and systems shall aim to meet one or more of the specific environmental and climate - related objectives laid down in points , and of article 6 and may be consistent with the objectives of article 6 .


### tangible and intangible investments in innovation consisting of development of innovative products and by - products of wine making , processes and technologies , other investments adding value at any stage of the supply chain , including for knowledge exchange ; ### tangible and intangible investments in innovation consisting of development of innovative products and technological processes , connected with the products referred to in part ii of annex vii to regulation 1308 / 2013 or with by - products of wine making , processes and technologies , other investments adding value at any stage of the supply chain , including for knowledge exchange ;


### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 2% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 . ### member states may provide a one - off complementary income support payment for young farmers / new entrants who have recently become responsible for a holding and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 .


### in respect of the main objectives laid down in annex iii member states may prescribe standards additional to those laid down in that annex against those main objectives . however , member states shall not define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii . ### member states may not define minimum standards for main objectives other than those laid down in annex iii .


### the managing authority of the cap strategic plan or other designated intermediate bodies shall define selection criteria for interventions relating to the following types of interventions : investments , installation of young farmers and rural business start - up , cooperation , knowledge exchange and information , after consultation of the monitoring committee referred to in article 111 . selection criteria shall aim to ensure equal treatment of applicants , better use of financial resources and targeting of the support in accordance with the purpose of the interventions . ### the managing authority of the cap strategic plan or other designated intermediate bodies shall define selection criteria for interventions relating to the following types of interventions : investments , installation of young farmers and rural business start - up , measures aimed at empowering women in rural areas , cooperation , knowledge exchange and information , after consultation of the monitoring committee referred to in article 111 . selection criteria shall aim to ensure equal treatment of applicants , better use of financial resources and targeting of the support in accordance with the purpose of the interventions .


### member states shall limit the support to a maximum of 75% of the eligible costs . ### member states shall limit the support to a maximum of 85% of the eligible costs .


### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall primarily be used to contribute to the financing of the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments . ### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall be used to contribute to the financing of the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability .


### 100% for operations receiving funding from funds transferred to the eafrd in accordance with articles 15 and 90 of this regulation . ### 100% for operations receiving funding from funds transferred to the eafrd in accordance with article 15 of this regulation .


### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans on the basis of the completeness of the plans , the consistency and coherence with the general principles of union law , with this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant to it and with the horizontal regulation , their effective contribution to the specific objectives set out in article 6 , the impact on the proper functioning of the internal market and distortion of competition , the level of administrative burden on beneficiaries and administration . the assessment shall address , in particular , the adequacy of the strategy of the cap strategic plan , the corresponding specific objectives , targets , interventions and the allocation of budgetary resources to meet the specific cap strategic plan objectives through the proposed set of interventions on the basis of the swot analysis and the ex - ante evaluation . ### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans on the basis of the completeness of the plans , the consistency and coherence with the general principles of union law , with this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant to it and with the horizontal regulation , their effective contribution to the specific objectives set out in article 6 . the evaluation relates , in particular , to the impact of the strategy included in the cap strategic plan on the proper functioning of the internal market and distortion of competition , the level of administrative burden on beneficiaries and administration .


### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ; ### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation as well as – where member states so decide – land that has not been ploughed up for five years or more . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees where this is justified in order to achieve the objectives set out in points , and of article 6 . a change in herbaceous forage shall , where member states so decide , also constitute crop rotation if the new sowing consists of a different mix of species compared to the previous cover .


### annual performance reports shall set out key qualitative and quantitative information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about realised outputs , realised expenditure , realised results and distance to respective targets . ### performance reports shall set out key qualitative and quantitative information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about realised outputs , realised expenditure , realised results and distance to respective targets .


### enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness , including greater focus on research , technology and digitalisation ; ### enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness , including greater focus on quality differentiation , research , technology and digitalisation ;


### member states may grant payments to small farmers as defined by member states by way of a round sum , replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter . member states shall design the corresponding intervention in the cap strategic plan as optional for the farmers . ### member states may introduce a simplified scheme for small farmers requesting support of up to eur 1 250 for an area of no more than 10 hectares . this arrangement may comprise a lump sum replacing direct payments under this section and section 3 of this chapter or aid per hectare , which can be differentiated among territories according to article 18 ; member states shall indicate in the cap strategic plan that the corresponding intervention is voluntary for farmers . the total area for lump - sum payments to small producers must not exceed 15% of the total area of a member state .


### planning of production , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments and stabilising producer prices ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ; ### planning of production , including through the establishment of a european fruit and vegetables register , updated annually by species and variety , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments and stabilising producer prices to enable producers who are members of pos / apos to achieve a commercial value that is higher than the market average ; &#160 ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ;


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , the agronomic characteristics of different productions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures .


### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , genuine farmer and young farmer : ### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan at least the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare and young farmer on the following basis :


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down rules for the presentation of the content of the annual performance report . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 139 . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down rules for the presentation of the content of the performance report . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 139 .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , in consultation with relevant stakeholders , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define equivalent practices or certification systems having a beneficial impact on the climate and the environment which is similar to or better than the impact of one or more gaec practices .


### considering that flexibility should be accorded to member states as regards the choice of delegating part of the implementation of the cap strategic plan at regional level on the basis of a national framework , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges , it is appropriate that the cap strategic plans provide a description of the interplay between national and regional interventions . ### considering that flexibility should be accorded to member states as regards the choice of delegating part of the programming and implementation of the cap strategic plan at regional level on the basis of a national framework , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges , it is appropriate that the cap strategic plans provide a description of the interplay between national and regional interventions and sub - plans .


### member states shall support under this type of intervention genuine farmers who make commitments to observe , on eligible hectares , agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . ### member states shall support under this type of intervention genuine farmers who make commitments to observe , maintain and promote on eligible hectares , agricultural practices and systems beneficial for the climate and the environment .


### a request for amendment of the cap strategic plan may be submitted no more than once per calendar year subject to possible exceptions to be determined by the commission in accordance with article 109 . ### a request for amendment of the cap strategic plan may be submitted no more than twice per calendar year subject to possible exceptions to be determined by the commission in accordance with article 109 .